Chapter 76 – Whispers of Lisbon
The road to Lisbon stretched before Jota like a promise — long, uncertain, but shining with the faint glimmer of destiny. The team's bus hummed through the early dawn, carrying the boys of Penedono toward their first regional competition. For most of them, it was an adventure; for Jota, it was the beginning of something far greater.
He sat by the window, his eyes tracing the faint silhouette of the rising sun over the Portuguese hills. The towns passed like ghosts — vineyards, small markets, farmers beginning their day. Yet his mind wasn't on the scenery. It was on the pitch waiting for him beyond the horizon.
Coach Manuel, standing in the aisle, clapped his hands. "Listen up, everyone. Lisbon isn't like home. There'll be scouts, bigger teams, more pressure. But don't let that scare you. Let it sharpen you."
Miguel leaned forward from the seat behind Jota. "You nervous?" he asked with a grin.
Jota shook his head slowly. "Not nervous. Focused."
