When the whistle finally blew to end the session, João bent forward, hands on knees, breathing steadily. He felt no rush of triumph. No fear either.
Just clarity.
This wasn't a trial in the dramatic sense. No one was judging him on one mistake or one good moment. But every action stacked quietly on top of the last, building a picture he didn't get to see.
And that, more than anything, told him exactly where he was now.
* * *
A couple hours later.
Kohfeldt didn't speak immediately after the session ended.
He stayed where he was, arms still folded, eyes following the players as they peeled away in small groups. Some headed toward the gym. Others toward the treatment room. João lingered near the edge of the pitch for a moment, unsure whether to move or wait, before deciding not to draw attention to himself and walking toward the bench to unlace his boots.
From where Kohfeldt stood, he replayed the session in fragments rather than highlights.
