On the Edge of the List

With thirty seconds left in the broadcast countdown, social media looked like the sea before a storm. Experts had written their scripts, predicting Mason would be cut. Betting houses even offered a special market on Mason missing the squad, with odds so low they were ridiculous. Hayes stepped to the podium and opened the folder. Goalkeepers. Defenders. Midfielders. Forwards. Ryan Brooks. Lucas Reed. Daniel Walsh. Ethan Miller. Before the last name, Hayes paused for half a second. The country held its breath. "Mason Carter." A wave of involuntary gasps moved through the press room. In television studios, pundits widened their eyes at the same time. Social media exploded again. #MasonCarter #HayesGamble #BrokenPrinceReturns