Chapter 36 – The Shape of Trust
By mid-April, the academy felt heavier.
Not in a negative sense, but in density—like everything had more meaning.
Touches in drills weren't just technique—they were statements. Conversations weren't idle—they were navigation. And mistakes didn't just feel clumsy anymore.
They felt expensive.
It was the season of decisions.
Rumors swirled.
Some boys whispered about call-ups to elite squads. Others speculated about who'd be cut at the next review.
No one said anything directly.
But everyone knew: the next month would shape futures.
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Jota handled it the only way he knew how—routine.
Up at dawn. Jog. Stretch. Breakfast. Practice. Watch. Record. Reflect.
He had sharpened his rhythm into something close to calm.
But even calm gets tested.
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One Tuesday afternoon, Coach Sofia pulled Jota aside after their midfield pattern drills.
"Tiago's been off," she said plainly.
Jota nodded. "I've noticed."
"You know him best."
