The change in Callum wasn't quick; it was a tough, careful process. He arrived at the training session on Tuesday, the first one back on the field, but he didn't join the team. Instead, he went straight to the fitness coach and began his laps on the far pitch, his face showing deep concentration.
This time, the isolation felt different. He wasn't moping. His sprints were sharper, and his effort was more intense. When he caught his breath, he watched the main squad, focusing intently on their movements.
Ethan, Mason, and the rest of the team could hear him. "Good shape, Jake!" he shouted from across the field. "Press him, Mason! Good ball!"
He was coaching from the sidelines, still part of the team even when he wasn't on the field.
Mason stared at him for a moment, a hint of surprise on his face. "He's still an idiot," Mason told Ethan. "But at least he's a loud idiot."
Coach Shaw noticed everything. He saw Callum push himself through two full sessions, his effort unyielding, his attitude positive and vocal. On Thursday, during the last tactical session before the weekend, Shaw blew his whistle.
"Reid!" he called out. Callum, soaked in sweat, ran over. "Get a bib," Shaw ordered, tossing him a yellow one. "You're with the reserves. Show me something."
It was a small move, from exile to the scout team, but it was an opportunity. Callum didn't waste it. For the next hour, he was the ideal teammate. He held the ball, made decoy runs, and completed simple passes. His play was selfless, smart, and sharp.
In the final scrimmage, he found himself one-on-one with the reserve keeper. The old Callum would have tried to chip him. The new Callum, noticing the starting winger making a better run, unselfishly passed the ball for an easy tap-in. From the sideline, Shaw gave a quick, approving nod. "Good choice, Reid."
On Saturday, they faced Harrington, the last place team they were favored to beat. In the locker room, everyone was quiet as Coach Shaw announced the lineup. Ryan, the hard-working substitute, was named the starting striker.
Callum's name was on the bench.
Ethan and Mason watched their friend closely. He didn't slump, complain, or glare in frustration. Callum simply walked over to Ryan, who looked nervous, and clapped him on the shoulder. "Go on, mate," Callum said, his tone sincere. "They sit deep. Be patient. You'll get your chance. Run 'em ragged."
The first half showcased why Harrington was in last place. They parked ten men behind the ball, frustrating Crestwood. It was 0-0 at halftime and still 0-0 in the 60th minute. Crestwood had all the possession but couldn't break through the wall of defenders.
Coach Shaw turned to the bench. "Reid. Get warm." He called him over, his face unreadable. "It's tight. They're not giving us any space. I don't need a hero trying to score from thirty yards. I need a striker. Go find the space." "Yes, Coach," Callum replied, his eyes clear and focused.
When he stepped onto the pitch, the team's energy instantly changed. His first two touches were simple, one touch passes to Ethan, keeping the pace high. He wasn't forcing plays; he was looking for them.
In the 78th minute, Ethan got the ball in midfield. He spotted Callum making a sharp run, not aimed at scoring, but into the corner, pulling two defenders with him. It was a decoy, just like Ethan had made earlier. The run opened up a huge space in the center. Mason charged into it, received a pass from Ethan, and launched a shot from 25 yards that the keeper could only deflect into the six-yard box.
Callum, who had slipped away from his marker the moment Mason shot, was the first to react. The ball fell at his feet. He had a tough angle. The old Callum would have shot.
Without hesitation, he looked up, saw Jake, the captain, charging in, and cushioned a perfect pass back to the penalty spot. Jake met it with a powerful strike that bulged the back of the net.
1-0 Crestwood.
The team rushed to celebrate with Jake, but the captain immediately pointed to Callum, pulling him into the celebration. As Callum ran back to the center circle, he caught Ethan's eye. It was a look of pure relief.
The game ended 1-0. It was a tough, hard-fought victory. As they walked into the tunnel, Coach Shaw placed a hand on Callum's shoulder, stopping him for a moment. "That," the coach said, his voice low but clear, "was the most important pass you've made all season. Welcome back, Reid."