Chapter 22 – A New Climb
Returning to Lisbon was both a comfort and a challenge.
Jota had changed, even if the academy walls looked the same. He could feel it in the way people greeted him—a little longer, a little prouder. Not quite fame. But respect.
Still, he knew respect could vanish with a single lazy pass.
So he trained harder.
---
Coach Nuno welcomed him back with a firm handshake and a glance that said, "Don't let it get to your head."
He didn't.
Mornings began again at 5:30.
Stretching. Light jogs. Visualization.
Then school.
He sat near the window in class now, his notebook full of both equations and tactical diagrams. His history teacher once caught him sketching a 4-3-3 setup during a lecture about Roman emperors.
> "Jota, unless Caesar played left-back, pay attention."
The class laughed. Jota smiled.
---
February brought cold rain and muddy fields.
