Deklyn and the Sad Gronk

    By Deklyn

    Deklyn and the Sad Gronk cover image

    29 Feb, 2024

    two men are playing soccer on a field in front of a crowd of people in a stadium with a soccer ball, happening, a comic book panel, Colin Middleton, graphic novel

    Deklyn was a lively and energetic boy who loved playing football. One day, he found himself in a game against an unusual opponent, a kid known as Baby Gronk. Deklyn didn't underestimate him and played with all his might.

    a cartoon of a group of people playing soccer together in front of a crowd of people watching them on a field, lyco art, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, storybook illustration

    The whistle blew, and the match began. Deklyn and Baby Gronk raced across the field. The crowd cheered, but Deklyn focused solely on the football. The game was intense, but Deklyn was determined.

    a group of young boys playing soccer on a field with a ball in front of them and a referee watching, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, storybook illustration

    Deklyn dribbled the ball skillfully, dodging Baby Gronk’s attempts to snatch it. He then saw an opportunity and kicked the ball with all his strength. It soared through the air and landed in the goal.

    a cartoon of a young boy in a football uniform standing in front of a crowd of people on a field, american realism, a storybook illustration, Adam Rex, graphic novel

    The crowd erupted in cheers as Deklyn celebrated his victory. He looked over at Baby Gronk, expecting to see him smiling too. But instead, he saw that Baby Gronk looked sad and disappointed.

    two young boys playing soccer on a field with a goalie net in the background and a soccer ball in the foreground, sots art, a storybook illustration, Denis Eden, storybook illustration

    Deklyn felt a pang of guilt. Yes, he had won the game, but he hadn't meant to upset Baby Gronk. He decided to approach him, hoping to cheer him up.

    a young boy and a young man standing on a football field with a stadium in the background and a football player in the foreground, dada, a stock photo, Alexander Kucharsky, future

    “Hey, Baby Gronk," Deklyn said, trying to sound cheerful. "That was a great game! You played really well.” But Baby Gronk just shrugged and looked away.

    a boy in a red jersey holding a soccer ball on a field with a playground in the background and a red playground structure, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Adam Rex, official art

    Deklyn was unsure of what to do next. He didn't like seeing his friend sad. Suddenly, he had an idea. He remembered something that always made him feel better after a tough game.

    two young boys standing on a sidewalk in front of a building with a ice cream cone in the foreground, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Brothers Hildebrandt, official art

    “Why don’t we go get some ice cream?" Deklyn suggested. "My treat! What do you say, Gronk?” At the mention of ice cream, Baby Gronk's eyes lit up, and he gave a small nod.

    a group of three boys standing next to each other in front of a food truck holding ice cream cones, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Brothers Hildebrandt, storybook illustration

    They walked to the nearby ice cream truck, their football jerseys attracting curious looks. Deklyn bought two scoops of Baby Gronk's favorite flavor, chocolate chip.

    two young boys sitting on a bench holding ice cream cones and smiling at the camera, with a park in the background, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Brothers Hildebrandt, ultra realistic illustration

    As they sat on a nearby bench, eating their ice cream, Baby Gronk finally broke his silence. "You played really well, Deklyn," he said, "I guess I just need to practice more."

    two young boys in football uniforms standing next to each other on a field with a ball in hand and trees in the background, sots art, a comic book panel, Anson Maddocks, comic cover art

    Deklyn smiled at his friend's words. "We can practice together, Gronk. That way, we can both improve," he suggested. Baby Gronk's face lit up at the proposal.

    two young boys running towards a football on a field in front of a building with a soccer ball in front of them, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Brothers Hildebrandt, storybook illustration

    From that day on, Deklyn and Baby Gronk practiced together. They pushed each other to do better and improved their skills. They faced each other in many more games, but they never let the outcome affect their friendship.

    a cartoon of a man running with a group of children on a field in a stadium with a football ball, american realism, a storybook illustration, Adam Rex, graphic novel

    After all, football was just a game, and games were meant to be fun. It didn't matter who won or lost, as long as they enjoyed playing. And Deklyn and Baby Gronk indeed enjoyed every minute of it.

    two young boys sitting on the grass with a football in front of them and a ball in the background, verdadism, a stock photo, Adam Dario Keel, ultra realistic faces

    They learned that sportsmanship was more important than winning and that sometimes, the best part of the game was the ice cream afterwards. They became the best of friends, all thanks to a game of football and a scoop of ice cream.

    a cartoon of a soccer player running with a ball in his hand and other players in the background watching, process art, a comic book panel, Brothers Hildebrandt, comic cover art

    So, Deklyn didn't just win a football match that day. He also won a friend. And in his heart, he knew that was the greatest victory of all.