After the team returned from their preseason tour, the players were given three days off—from February 4th to February 7th—to rest and recharge.
Training was set to resume on February 8th, with the new season kicking off on Saturday, February 15th, 2025.
On the evening of the 4th, Gustavo Gómez called Gabriel Silver, inviting him to join him for dinner the next day so they could spend some time together and unwind.
Gabriel explained that his mother and brother would be visiting him from Curitiba during the break.
Gómez didn't hesitate.
"Bring them too," he said warmly. "The more, the better."
They kept talking for a while, joking around the way they always did.
At one point, Gabriel asked playfully, "And your girlfriend—will she be there too?"
Gómez laughed. "Yeah, she's around. I'm holding her close these days.
I missed her during the tour."
Gabriel chuckled and let out a half-teasing, "Mmmm…"
"What were you going to say?" Gómez asked.
"Come on, say it. I know what you're thinking—go get yourself a girlfriend, man."
Gabriel laughed. "Actually… I think I'm in love with your sister. Help me get her."
Gómez shook his head immediately. "Then forget about getting a wife.
If it's my sister you want, you won't get one."
They burst into laughter before Gabriel finally steered the conversation back.
"Let's talk about something serious. The season starts on Saturday. How prepared are you?"
"I'm ready," Gómez said confidently. "You must've seen it in preseason.
I've built up a lot of confidence, and I'm carrying that energy into the season."
Gabriel nodded. "Same here. I've learned a lot from you guys—the coach's system, new skills… I gave my best in the preseason with goals and assists.
But in the end, it's up to the coach to decide whether I start or not."
Just then, Gabriel heard a voice in the background calling Gómez.
"Babe, it's late. Come to bed."
Gabriel burst out laughing."bro your girlfriend is calling you.
Let's end the call- I don't want trouble"
They laughed and hang up ready to enjoy their short break.
The next morning,Gabriel woke before his alarm even had the chance to ring.
He wasn't sure if it was excitement or instinct.
The sky outside was a soft grey, and a thin drizzle tapped at his window.
It smelled like São Paulo in the rainy season—wet concrete and a hint of earth.
He showered quickly, put on a hoodie and jeans, and headed out.
When he reached the hotel lobby, he spotted them immediately.
His mother stood near the seating area, holding her purse close to her body, scanning the entrance nervously as if afraid she wouldn't recognize her own son.
Lucas, his older brother, sat next to her, scrolling through his phone, legs stretched freely like someone who knew he was at home anywhere.
"Mãe!"
Julieta looked up, and her eyes softened instantly.
Gabriel barely managed two steps before she wrapped him in a tight embrace.
"Meu filho," she whispered. "You look thinner. Are you eating properly?"
Gabriel laughed, pulling back. "Yes, mãe. The club feeds us like kings."
Lucas stood and pulled his younger brother into a quick, rough hug.
"Look at this guy. The big city suits you."
"How's Dad?" Gabriel asked. "And Grandma? And Camila?"
"They're good," Julieta said. "They send you greetings.
They miss you a lot."
Gabriel swallowed a lump in his throat. "I miss them too.
Especially Grandma. I hope I can see her before the season starts.
"You will," Julieta said softly. "She'll be very happy."
For the next few hours, they walked around the mall near the hotel, catching up on family stories.
Lucas teased him relentlessly about becoming famous.
Julieta kept asking questions about training, eating habits, match schedules, and whether he was sleeping well.
Gabriel answered each one patiently. He knew she asked because she cared.
But he also knew she was watching him closely—measuring, evaluating, making sure the bright lights of professional football hadn't changed him.
That evening, they met Gómez for dinner. The table was full—rice dishes, grilled meats, salads, and desserts.
Everyone sat together, talking and laughing as if they'd known each other for years.
Gabriel introduced his family.
"Gómez, this is my mother, Julieta Silver. And this is my older brother, Lucas."
He told Gómez how much they had supported him since childhood, even when he skipped classes for football.
"They always wanted me to study," Gabriel said, smiling, "but they still supported me because they knew football was my passion."
"Thank you, Mum," he added, turning to her lovingly.
Gómez nodded. "They've done an incredible job supporting you.
Not all parents do that. Many kids are forced into things they don't love, but your family understood you and helped you chase your dream. That's special."
He continued, gesturing to his girlfriend beside him.
"And Gabriel… he's like a brother to me.
We support each other, we share everything, and he's respectful to everyone.
You raised him well. I'm lucky to have him as a friend."
Gabriel's mother smiled warmly. "Thank you, Gómez. You're very mature. Continue taking care of each other.
I wish you both success in your careers. And thank you," she added to Gómez's girlfriend, "for taking care of the boys."
Lucas chimed in too. "Thanks for keeping my little brother safe. He talks about you all the time."
Halfway through dinner, Gabriel's phone vibrated against the table.
He let it ring. It vibrated again. Then again.
Julieta raised an eyebrow. "Who is calling you like that?"
"Just a fan," Gabriel said casually.
"Since when do fans have your personal number?" Lucas teased.
Gabriel shrugged, avoiding eyes. "It's complicated."
The phone buzzed again.
Julieta leaned closer. "Answer. It might be important."
Against his own hesitation, Gabriel accepted the call.
"Hello?"
A gentle female voice filled the line. "Hey Gabriel… how are you?"
"I'm good," he said, trying to keep his tone steady. "And you?"
"I just called to check up on you," she said.
"I hope you arrived safely from preseason. And I heard the season starts next Saturday… I wanted to wish you good luck."
Julieta's eyes widened slightly, watching him with interest.
"And your preseason… I saw the highlights," the voice continued shyly. "You played really well.
I hope you continue like that when the season starts."
Gabriel smiled softly. "Thank you, Ana. Really. Your support means a lot.
Since the day we met at the airport, you've been kind. I appreciate it."
They talked for five minutes—nothing romantic, but there was a warmth in Ana's voice that wasn't lost on anyone listening.
When he hung up, Lucas raised both eyebrows. "Wow. A 'fan,' huh?"
"Bro doesn't disappoint," Lucas added, nudging him.
Gabriel laughed in embarrassment. "Relax. She's just a supporter. She's nice."
"But she'll come to watch your match?" his mother asked suspiciously.
Gabriel nodded.
"She said she would. When she's on vacation."
Julieta didn't say anything, but the little smile she hid behind her cup told Gabriel she had formed her own opinions.
Gabriel explained to the table, "I met Ana at the airport when we were flying out for preseason in Miami.
She's been supportive ever since, even said she wants to come to a match during her vacation."
His family exchanged surprised looks.
"Look at you, big man," Lucas said, laughing. "Don't disappoint your fans."
Gabriel laughed too. "I won't. You guys motivate me."
The night ended with warm goodbyes. Gabriel's mother and brother headed back to their hotel, wishing him and Gómez success in the season ahead.
It was a simple dinner, but a memorable one—full of unity, love, and advice.
Later, as Gabriel lay in bed, his mind replayed everything—the dinner, the laughter, the call from Ana, and his mother's reaction.
With the season just days away, he felt the weight of responsibility… but also the comfort of knowing he wasn't facing it alone.
He whispered to himself:
This year… this year has to be special.
And as sleep finally claimed him, he felt ready—more ready than ever.