The whistle blew, the final score clear. Dave's team had won.
"Victory again!" Theo shouted, clapping Dave on the back.
"You mean thanks to me," Dave teased, tossing his sweat-soaked jersey onto his shoulder.
Daniel groaned. "Don't let him score once, or he'll never stop bragging."
Laughter echoed as the boys headed toward the fresh-up area near the ground. The tiled room buzzed with noise—water running, lockers opening, the smell of soap mixing with the faint grass from outside.
Dave rinsed off quickly, running a hand through his damp hair before pulling on a casual white shirt and jeans. Clean, sharp, and effortless, even without trying.
"Ready for breakfast?" Stephan asked, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
"Always," Dave grinned, flashing his teeth.
---
By the time he reached home, the sound of clinking cutlery and chatter filled the dining room. The Williams house was modern but warm, sunlight streaming through wide glass windows onto the oak table.
"Dave! You're late again," his mother called from the head of the table, though her tone carried more fondness than anger.
"Late?" Dave smirked, sliding into his chair. "I just made sure you had more time to miss me, Mom."
His mother shook her head, hiding a smile. "Always the talker."
Breakfast was lively. His younger cousins argued over toast, his uncle read the paper aloud, and laughter spilled across the room like it belonged there. Dave added to it easily, cracking small jokes that made even his grandfather lift an amused brow from the other end of the table.
When his plate was cleared, he rose, stretching. "Alright, time to make the world a prettier place. Buildings won't design themselves."
"Don't forget," his mother reminded, "your grandfather's waiting for you at the office."
Dave leaned down, kissed her cheek, and whispered, "I'll try not to outshine him too much today."
She swatted at him with a spoon, laughing.
---
An hour later, Dave walked into the glass-fronted offices of Williams & Co. Architecture, the family's pride. His grandfather still sat at the top, sharp as ever despite his age. Dave wasn't the CEO yet, just one of the leading architects. But everyone knew he had the spark—talent, charm, and the vision to lead.
For now, though, he worked under his grandfather's watchful eye, carrying the weight of both expectation and opportunity.