Chapter 4

The ball goes out for a throw-in, and the other team quickly takes it to Anderson. There’s a certain calmness in the way he moves; I can sense it. I don’t know if it’s because of his sleepy expression or if it’s just in my head.

He looks ahead, and one of our players moves toward him, trying to take the ball. Our player advances toward him, and, at the exact moment, Anderson pretends to go one way but goes the other. The player marking him slips slightly, letting him pass freely, giving Anderson a full view of the court and a clear shot at the goal.

I start running toward him to regain possession, but Anderson is faster. I don’t know if he thinks I would probably steal the ball from him or if he just decided to go for it. He looks at our goalkeeper and lines up a shot. I start running like crazy.

“You’re not getting away!”

I shout as I slide in, attempting to steal the ball, but I’m too far away. He shoots, and I see the ball hit the crossbar.

“Damn, that was close.”

Anderson says, disappointed. We were lucky; he didn’t score… But the big curly-haired guy was right under the ball.

Isaac jumps to contest it, but the other player is much bigger. He jumps up and heads the ball, sending it to the opposite corner of the goal. The ball hits the net, and the other team celebrates. Anderson, still nearby, raises his fist in celebration and runs back to his side of the court with a slight smile. The score is now in their favor, and the game heats up even more, but it’s not over yet. I’m going to turn this game around.

Isaac approaches me with a determined look.

“We’re not letting them take control, Kelvin.”

He says, patting my shoulder to encourage me.

I take a deep breath, feeling the pressure and the energy of the game intensifying. That goal fired up their team, but it also woke us up. The goal was just to meet some people from the class, but, regardless, I’m not losing.

With the ball back at our feet, Isaac starts the game with a quick pass to me. I look around, searching for gaps in their positioning. Anderson is right in front, watching my every move, and it seems he’s focused on not letting me advance, even though his tired eyes say otherwise.

I dribble to the side, trying to find space, but he’s quick and follows my every step. There’s no other choice but to take a chance. With a subtle touch, I slide the ball between his legs, catching him off guard.

Anderson tries to recover, but I’ve already left him behind. I see Isaac freeing up ahead, signaling to me as he moves down the sideline. I make a precise, fast pass to him, and he controls the ball skillfully.

Isaac moves forward a few steps, but an opponent is already coming his way. He quickly returns the ball to one of our players, who’s positioned a bit further up. He realizes he’s unmarked and lines up a shot, but before he can take it, the big guy with curly hair steps in, blocking the shot.

The ball deflects, heading to the center of the court, where I’m positioned. I seize the opportunity, take two steps forward, and prepare to shoot. It’s now or never.

“Go, Kelvin!”

I hear Isaac shout from behind.

Without hesitation, I position my body and fire a powerful shot with my right foot, putting all my strength and accuracy into it. The ball soars toward the goal, passing the opposing goalkeeper, Yago, who tries to reach it but can’t. I just see the ball passing him and hitting the net; I scored my goal.

The sound of the ball hitting the net is music to my ears. My teammates run toward me, celebrating enthusiastically. Isaac jumps around me, slapping my back and shouting excitedly.

“That’s it, Kelvin! Great job!”

The others celebrate, laughing.

The other team looks a bit shaken, but Anderson keeps his focus on me, as if accepting the challenge. He smiles slightly, nods, and I can tell he’s accepted my challenge. I scored because I dribbled past him; he made a mistake, and I took advantage of it.

“Hey, Anderson.”

I call his attention as he places the ball in the center of the court.

“You and me!”

I say, smiling at him, and he smiles back.

“Whoever scores the next goal... Wins, alright?”

He starts the game, passing to one of his teammates.

“Pass it back to me!”

He says, and his teammate quickly returns it. I start moving toward him, and we’re face-to-face.

“Bring it on!”

I say, and he pushes the ball forward. I start running alongside him.

“I’m going to get past you, Kelvin!”

He says as we’re both near the sideline. I run beside him to intercept the ball. From the movement of his left leg, I can tell he’s about to try a direct shot at our goalkeeper. I smile, but he stops the ball, making me move slightly past him; I recover quickly, and right after, he shoots. I try to put my leg in front, but it’s in vain.

“This one’s for you, Kelvin!”

He shouts and fires a shot at our goalkeeper. The ball flies past the goalie, curving toward the top corner, until… Isaac appears and intercepts it with his chest.

“Not here, Anderson!”

He responds to the shout.

I start running forward, and Isaac notices I’ve moved ahead.

“It’s all yours, Kelvin!”

He shouts and kicks with his right foot. I see the ball coming and control it with my chest. I look ahead and see the big guy with curly hair. He’s well-positioned, blocking my view of the goal. Anderson is right behind, closely following, ready to intercept any attempt I make. This is the decisive play, and the whole team is counting on me to score. I could pass it, but… that would mean avoiding Anderson, and I’m not going to do that.

I take a deep breath, keeping calm. I make a quick touch with my right foot, bringing the ball closer and slightly tilting my body to the side as if I’m going to dribble to the left. He falls for the feint, stepping in the direction I faked, leaving an opening in the middle of the court.

Without wasting time, I accelerate to the right, escaping through the gap I created. Anderson tries to catch up, but it’s too late; I’m already ahead, with the ball under control.

There are just a few steps left to the penalty area, but their goalkeeper is ready, eyes locked on me, trying to anticipate my shot. I feel everyone’s eyes on me. This is the moment. I lift my head, see Isaac positioned to the side, but decide that this play is mine.

I prepare to shoot, focusing all my strength in my right foot, and then…

I fire the ball toward the left corner of the goal, with power and precision. It makes a perfect arc as Yago stretches out, desperately trying to reach it.

The ball flies past him and hits the net in the opposite corner.

GOAL!

My team celebrates with cheers. My teammates run toward me, Isaac hugs me, and soon we’re all laughing, shouting, and celebrating. I did it. I turned the game around. I look at Anderson, who, despite the loss, gives me a smile of acknowledgment and nods in my direction.

He approaches and extends his hand.

“Well done, Kelvin. You’re better than I expected. But one thing, you haven’t won our challenge yet. You got past him… Not me.”

I shake his hand, smiling.

“Thanks, Anderson. You gave me a tough time too. Someday, we’ll finish this match.”

I gained respect, made new friends, and proved to myself that I can be the player I’ve always wanted to be. This is just the beginning.