Thiago was half-awake when his phone buzzed again. He'd been lying in bed for over an hour, staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep. His room was hot even with the window cracked open, and the usual noises of Campinas—cars honking, dogs barking, someone arguing in the alley below—felt louder than usual tonight. The buzzing came again, and this time he sat up, heart thudding for no good reason.
It was a message from Marina.
"Everything is confirmed. Dortmund finalized the process with Palmeiras. You're officially a Borussia Dortmund player."
Thiago stared at the screen. The words didn't feel real, not even after weeks of negotiations, offers, and phone calls. He read it again. Then a third time. Finally, he let out a breath and ran a hand down his face.
This was it.
