Chapter 86 – The Whispers of Lisbon
The roar of the city was a far cry from the quiet winds of Penedono. Lisbon was alive—buzzing with cars, flashing lights, and the energy of dreams colliding in narrow streets. For Jota, stepping out of the bus felt like crossing into another world. He had been here before, years ago, but this time, everything was different. He was not a global star. He was just a teenage boy, unknown, carrying an old duffel bag and a dream that refused to die.
The stadium lights of the city gleamed faintly in the evening sky. He could almost hear the chants that once called his name, the echoes of glory buried deep within his soul. But this wasn't nostalgia—it was fuel.
He turned to his teammate and closest companion on this new journey, Mateus, who was smiling ear to ear. "We're really here, Jota," he said, clutching his worn-out football boots. "Lisbon. The capital. Do you think they'll even look at us?"
