Scene 1 – Night Training
Mateus is on an empty field at night, kicking the ball with force.
The sound echoes. He plays alone, sweaty and frustrated.
Mateus (thinking):
— "No matter how much I run… it's never enough for him."
He strikes a kick that tears through the makeshift net.
Panting, he takes a deep breath and flops onto the grass, staring at the sky.
---
Scene 2 – At Home
Mateus arrives home. The living room is filled with medals, trophies, and photos of his father as a young, renowned athlete.
His father watches TV.
Father:
— "Did you train?"
Mateus (dryly):
— "Yes."
Father:
— "Weak. Your kicks still lack precision. When I was your age, I was already the top scorer in the municipal championship."
Mateus (angry):
— "I'm not you."
His father glares at him coldly.
Father:
— "If you keep this up, you'll never be anyone."
Mateus clenches his fists, then quietly heads to his room.
---
Scene 3 – The Room
In his room, he throws his backpack against the wall.
He looks at a photo of his father holding a trophy.
Then he stares at his own reflection in the mirror.
Mateus (thinking):
— "I don't want to be his shadow. But… what if I'm nothing without it?"
He flops onto the bed, overwhelmed by frustration.
---
Scene 4 – Messages in the Group Chat
His phone vibrates.
Claws:
— "Reminder: meeting in the library tomorrow to organize the project."
Rafaela:
— "Mateus, are you coming or making excuses?"
Diego:
— "Must be training for the World Cup."
Mateus stares at the screen, hesitates, then types:
Mateus:
— "I'll go."
---
Final Scene
Mateus turns off the bedroom light, lies on his side, staring at his phone on the nightstand.
His expression is hard, but a spark of hope remains.
"Maybe… with them, I can be myself."
The camera focuses on the wall full of medals, contrasting with the emptiness in Mateus's eyes.
End of Chapter 9.