Leira ran toward her father, Lucan, having scored her first goal for the city team. She was a whirlwind of smiles, laughter, and glowing excitement as she threw herself into his arms.
"Papa, did you see that?" she exclaimed, her voice full of joy.
Lucan gently unwrapped her arms from his waist and stepped back so she could see the pride on his face. Leira was still catching her breath, her black hair tumbling over her shoulders. Her blue eyes sparkled with happiness, and her cheeks were flushed from the effort.
"Well played," he said warmly. "Go celebrate with your teammates in the changing room. I'll be waiting in the car."
Leira beamed up at him before her friend Katie, equally exhausted but grinning widely, approached them. Katie's short bob of black hair stuck slightly to her forehead from sweat, but her excitement was undeniable.
