The Sports Fan

Sports Fan:	Hey.
Random Friend:	How’s it going? What you been up to?
Sports Fan:	You know, the usual stuff.
Random Friend:	So how did your team do this season?
Sports Fan:	Not so good…lost in all competitions.
Random Friend:	Didn’t they lose last year too?
Sports Fan:	Yeah.
Random Friend:	And also the year before that?
Sports Fan:	Shut the **** up.
Random Friend:	[laughs]
Sports Fan:	Next year will be different. We will win for sure.
Random Friend:	Really?
Sports Fan:	There are some good new players coming in. The youngsters are also maturing well. The manager has laid a solid foundation.
Random Friend:	Hmm…you really think so?
Sports Fan:	I know so.
Random Friend:	But, didn’t you say the same thing last year?
Sports Fan:	[cold stare]
Random Friend:	…and the year before that?
Sports Fan:	[grits his teeth] Next year will be different.
Random Friend:	Uh-huh.
Sports Fan:	I’m telling you we will win next year. I have a good feeling about this.
Random Friend:	Do you?
Sports Fan:	Yea, I really do.
Random Friend:	So, tell me, why do you support this team anyways?
Sports Fan:	Ha?
Random Friend:	It’s not like this is your hometown or anything. And they lose so much.
Sports Fan:	Are you not listening? We will win next year.
Random Friend:	[rolls his eyes]
Sports Fan:	We will.
Random Friend:	‘We’ ha?
Sports Fan:	Yes, we will win.
Random Friend:	Aren’t the games really late at night? How are you able to watch them?
Sports Fan:	Yea…so?
Random Friend:	And they don’t even come on regular cable.
Sports Fan:	I find ways. A real sports fan always finds a way to the watch the game.
Random Friend:	But, is it really worth it? Hunting for places to watch, staying up late night, and losing sleep…all for a losing team.
Sports Fan:	[indignantly] Yes, it’s definitely worth it. It’s my team.
Random Friend:	Can’t you watch the replay the next day or something?
Sports Fan:	The replay ??? [disgusted scowl] Have you lost it? A real sports fan always watches the game live.
Random Friend:	So, you didn’t answer the earlier question. Why do you like this team?
Sports Fan:	I don’t know, I just love them. It’s my team.
Random Friend:	Do you like some particular players?
Sports Fan:	I like many players…but you know, the players often change from season to season.
Random Friend:	Is it the manager you like?
Sports Fan:	Yea, but that also doesn’t always remain the same.
Random Friend:	What is it then? The stadium? The fans? The style of play?
Sports Fan:	[silence]
Random Friend:	…the color of the jersey?
Sports Fan:	I like all of those things….but that’s not even it. I don’t know…I can’t exactly explain.  When I first saw this team play, I knew this was the team for me.
Random Friend:	What made you so sure?
Sports Fan:	I just knew it.
Random Friend:	So, love at first sight then?
Sports Fan:	Something like that. Look, my ship sinks or sails with them. If they win, then I can celebrate, I’m instantly in a good mood, and life is great. If they lose, then my day or week is ruined.
Random Friend:	[shakes his head]
Sports Fan:	If you were a sports fan, you would understand.
Random Friend:	Whatever man. So tell me, is it possible that after some time, things change and you stop liking this team? And then support another rival team instead?
Sports Fan:	[grimaces] Never.
Random Friend:	Never?
Sports Fan:	Never ever. This is my team. I’m attached to them, for better or worse, through thick and thin. I’ll never switch loyalties like that. No matter what happens.
Random Friend:	Really? Even if they lose badly for the next ten years?
Sports Fan:	Yes, no matter what happens.
Random Friend:	You’re crazy.
Sports Fan:	[grins] Thank you.
Random Friend:	You clearly have some deep issues.
Sports Fan:	[still grinning] Yeah.
Random Friend:	Fine, I give up. Good luck to you and your team.
Sports Fan:	Thanks.  We will win next year. I have a good feeling about this.