Artemio Franchi - Car Park
11:47 PM
Outside the car park was calmer now because most media had dispersed and the crowd noise from the stadium had faded to distant echoes, and security lights hummed overhead while creating pools of yellow illumination across the pavement.
Demien spotted his mother leaning against her car near the players' exit, and she was wearing jeans and a dark jacket while her arms were folded casually, and when she saw him approaching she opened her arms before he reached her.
The hug was tight and lasted several seconds, and her hands pressed against his back while his face rested briefly against her shoulder, and neither spoke.
When they separated Isabella's hands stayed on his shoulders.
"I watched everything," she said, and her voice carried warmth mixed with understanding. "You played well. The result doesn't change that."
Demien nodded once. "Thanks for being here."
