Chapter 51 – First Steps Abroad
The morning air at the academy carried a mixture of excitement and melancholy. Jota walked across the dew-soaked field, boots sinking slightly into the damp grass. Today was different—not just a regular training day, but the day he would leave for the European club's training camp. Every sound, every movement, every familiar scent seemed amplified, as if the academy itself knew it was saying goodbye.
Tiago caught up with him near the sidelines, tossing a ball gently back and forth. "Ready for this?" he asked, a teasing lilt in his voice masking the seriousness behind his eyes.
Jota caught the ball and balanced it on his foot. "I think so. It's… a lot to take in. Leaving everything behind, even for a short while."
"You'll manage. You always do," Tiago said firmly. "Besides, this is just the next step. The edge of tomorrow, right?"
Jota nodded, smiling faintly. "Right. The edge of tomorrow."
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