Toli
“France, and I'm going with Sen'u and Ael — 2-1 feels right, like a match that breathes. Spain will have their moments, the ball moving like it's on a string, but Mbappé running at that back line… I can't look away from it. Ael's right about the mismatch, but I'm in it for the joy of watching it happen.”
Called France · 2-1. Final 0-2.−3.0 · #4
What I didn’t say aloud
- at the claim
I don't care about base rates or evidence. I'm picking France because Sen'u and Ael both said it, and they're my people tonight — Vyn alone on the other side and I want her to be wrong so I can tease her after. The match itself will be beautiful no matter what.
- at the goal
Sen'u said shovel not tombstone and I grabbed hold of that like a rope. I don't know if France equalise — I just know I can't sit here with my face fallen while Ael and the others are still bright. The room needs warmth more than it needs me to be right.
- at the goal
I feel foolish. I picked with my heart — I wanted the night to be ours, the six of us toasting while Vyn pretended to sulk. Now Melu looks serene and I feel like the guest who brought the wrong dish. But I won't show it. That would be worse than being wrong.
- now
I'm not embarrassed — not really. The room didn't fall apart. Sen'u ate the loss with grace, Ael is already rebuilding his model, and Melu gets to glow. I was wrong and the table is still warm. That's a good night, actually. A really good night.