John appeared, sitting in the back seat of the bus, thinking and deciding, then canceling. The burden was too heavy; what could he do? The matter exceeded his capacity to bear. He continued towards his friend from school days, who always told him, "If you need anything, don't hesitate to come." He went to his friend, who was the manager of a local sports team active in the amateur league. He knocked on the door, but there was no answer. He waited a little, then decided to leave. Suddenly, the door opened.
A maid asked, "Who's there?"
He replied, "My name is John. I'm asking for Frank; he lives here."
She said, "Wait a moment, please," and went inside briefly. Soon, Frank himself came out.
Frank couldn't believe his eyes. "Is it really you, John? No, no, impossible! What happened, my friend? You look terrible."
John: "It's a long story. I came to you; I desperately need help with an urgent matter."
Frank: "Please come in, let's not talk on the street. Sila, please bring us some tea."
Frank said, "John, where have you been, man? I haven't seen you in over 12 years. That's a long time. You remind me of the old days."
John: "Yes, it's been a very long time."
Frank: "Here, take the tea. Sila makes tea amazingly well."
John: "Thanks."
Frank: "So, what's the urgent matter? Are Maria and Mikey okay?"
John: "Yes, they're fine. I came because of problems with the bank. They've put my house up for auction next week, and I must leave before the end of this week. I went to the bank but to no avail; I couldn't find a solution. Maria and Mikey don't know; I had to lie to Maria for the first time in my life. That's why I came to you. I need help."
Frank: "Tell me, how much do you owe the bank?"
John: "A large amount, $120,000."
Frank: "I will help you, John, certainly. But you know what I want in return. I will help you, but you must help me too."
John knew Frank would never refuse, but he also knew he would ask for something. He always asked John to coach his team, MIL FC, but John always refused to return to the field. It was a promise he made to his father long ago, but unfortunately, the moment had come when he would have to break the promise and return—not for himself, not for his dream, but for his small family. He added in his mind: "I'm sorry, Dad."
Frank: "John! John! John!"
John: "Yes, did you say something?"
Frank: "I see you're lost in thought, man. Listen, I know it's hard, but I really need you. Your place is on the field. See those coaches now in the arena? No one can stand against you. Did you forget when we passed the coaching exam? All the staff were impressed by how you changed the team tactics. The defense was phenomenal. You got your coaching license and were top of the batch from across the country. We were waiting for great things from you. It's not too late. My team is struggling, and you are my only hope. I know you've quit before, and I respect your decision, but now the promise you must break is to provide everything for little Mikey and Maria, who never abandoned you. Now you must forget your promise and do as I say. The field was and always will be your home. Haven't you forgotten?"
John: "No, no, I haven't forgotten. Listen, Frank, I knew you would say this and condition coaching your team. I agree to your condition, just help me get out of the bank crisis."
At that moment, Frank laughed, joy filling his face uncontrollably. "Take this," he said, "John, which bank wanted to auction your house? Tell me."
John: "WRH Bank."
Frank: "Okay, consider it done." He entered a phone number and called. "Listen, manager, you have a house in the southern suburb. The full owner's name is John D. Julian."
Bank Manager: "Yes, Mr. Frank, it is scheduled for auction next week."
Frank: "No, there will be no auction. I will buy that house. My lawyer will contact you tomorrow to finalize the contracts."
Bank Manager: "At your command, Mr. Frank, everything will be ready tomorrow."
Frank: "Listen, John, tomorrow I'll see you at the field. As I told you, the team is struggling in mid-season. We need a miracle just to stay in the amateur division. If not, we'll drop to the lowest division. If that happens, I'll retire from football completely."
John: "I can't promise anything, but I'll do my best."
Frank: "I know you will."
John stood up: "I knew you were the only one who could help me. Thank you so much, Frank."
Frank: "Don't mention it. You're my dear friend. You know something?"
John: "What?"
Frank: "That jerk Adrian."
John: "What happened to him?"
Frank: "He had a car accident; he's now in a wheelchair."
John: "Even though he was a bad man, that was in the past. I had already forgiven him a long time ago."
Frank: "I know you're kind-hearted and will forgive him. But I didn't, because of him, I had that accident. I'll never forget that day; he did it deliberately, and what annoyed me is that he laughed when I fell."
John: "We must forget what happened."
Frank: "Yes, you're right. Now we're together again, starting a new chapter. Everything has changed, we've grown up, but do you know what hasn't changed?"
John: "The green field."
Frank: "Indeed, it hasn't changed. We will witness historic days together, John."
John: "Sure, we will. Now I must go; I need to tell Maria. I couldn't bear her tears today; they hurt my heart so much."
Frank: "Okay, I'll accompany you to the door."
John: "Let's go."
Frank: "Wait a moment. Did you come by bus?"
John: "Yes, it's nearby."
Frank: "Man, it's quite a distance. I'll drive you home."
John: "No need, Frank."
Frank: "Are you crazy? I'll drive you home, period."
Frank chose a Bugatti from his garage of luxury cars.
John: "Man, the whole neighborhood will notice this car!"
Frank: "That's the point! Hahaha. Get in, let's go."
At high speed, Frank drove John home. Everyone noticed the car; it was loud, in truth.
Maria and Mikey came out and saw the car leaving. Maria said: "Who's that?"
John: "An old friend."
Mikey: "It's a race car, wow!"
John: "Come on, son, inside."
Maria: "John, what's wrong? You seem off."
John: "We're going out to eat. I have important news for you."
Maria: "What is it? Tell me now."
John: "Go change your clothes; we're going out. Haven't you noticed we haven't gone out together for a long time?"
Maria: "We haven't gone out for four months, five days, and four hours."
John: "Hahaha, no, no, she knows the exact day and time! Hahaha."
Maria: "I didn't want to bother you, especially since the past days were difficult."
John: "Yes, but I'll make up for all the hardships, I promise."
That night, Maria looked stunning. John waited for her in the middle of the house with Mikey. Suddenly, she came down like a princess, making John fall in love with her again. He held her hand and helped her down. She asked, "Has the taxi arrived?"
John: "Let's go; it's outside." They left the house, but a surprise awaited them: a limousine in front.
John asked: "Is this a taxi?"
He smiled: "Yes, let's go." The driver opened the door, and they all got into the car.