John was overjoyed. With this victory, he realized that nothing was over, that he could always move forward. He said with a laugh:— In Dani Veskov's eyes, I'm stronger than you, huh?— Hey, John, congrats, bro. You're gonna make it to the top league, trust me, — said Oliver.— Alright, kids, go home. See you next week, — said the coach.
John and Oliver walked home, leaning on each other and humming their favorite song.— Brotherhood is a state of hearts,There's no force in this world that can separate us. We'll always be together.
They walked on, softly singing, filling the street with a feeling like the whole world now belonged to them. Evening had fallen, and the leaves rustled quietly beneath their feet. The road home always feels shorter when someone who understands you walks beside you, even before you speak.— The way you saved the goal today… I thought, "Are you a robot or what?" — Oliver laughed, giving John a nudge.— Well, all that's left to say is: you were a real samurai in midfield. That pass... How did Santana stay silent, huh?— Oh shut up! What did it look like now? "I'm a star"?
They both burst into laughter. Victory, friendship, the song, the evening... for a moment, everything was perfect.
Suddenly, John fell silent for a second. He looked up at the starry sky. Then at Oliver.— You know, Oli, I used to think Dani Veskov was my hero... But now I realize a real hero might be walking right beside you, not on some poster far away.
Oliver smiled—not with laughter, but with a deep, warm smile.— Brother... you're not walking in someone else's footsteps... you're leaving your own.
The song quietly resumed.— When I fall, you'll lift me up,When I go silent, you will hear me…
Their shadows stretched across the street: two boys, two friends, but one heart.
There were many games and trials ahead, but they were no longer alone.John's journey was just beginning...And it was already clear—he wouldn't imitate anyone anymore.He had become a source of inspiration… for others.And their paths diverged.— Good night, John.— Good night, Oli.
A light rain began to fall. John slipped into the arms of dreams, dreaming, continuing on his path. He reached the house and knocked on the door. His mother opened it.— John, you look like a pig, covered in mud from head to toe.
But John was so happy he barely heard what she was saying.— John, what happened to you? Come in, get changed quickly, and tell me.
John ran upstairs, changed clothes, smiled at Dan's poster, went to the bathroom, dried his hair, washed his face, and rushed to the kitchen to eat.— So, tell me, my son, what's the reason for all this excitement?— Mom, thanks to my save today, we won.
His mother approached, kissed him, and said:— Congratulations, my son, you deserve the best.
There was a small TV in the kitchen. The news was on, and suddenly John heard something that nearly made him faint.— And in sports news: next week, several professional clubs will visit various villages to meet with fans, share their experiences, and play football.Jermon Solaris – Varagunk villageThe Dragons – Zaltia Sornarele village...— Jermon...
John was stunned.— Dani Veskov plays for Jermon.
But that village was very far from John's, and because they were struggling financially, he couldn't go.— Mom, Dad, will you take me there?— Of course, dear. Now go to sleep, it's late.— Ughhh, I love you so much!
He ran to his room, then remembered five minutes later that he needed to brush his teeth. He went down to the bathroom and naively overheard his parents' conversation.— What should we do? We don't have money to take the boy. We can barely afford tuition.— I don't know, Kate...
John sadly walked into the bathroom, lost in thought. He brushed his teeth and went to bed.