Attention
The sound of Mateo's van rumbled through the streets of Igualada as Daniel sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window. His mind wasn't on school or football. It was on the strange man Sofia had pointed out to him. The one watching him."You alright, Daniel?" Mateo asked, shifting gears as they stopped at a red light.Daniel hesitated. "Yeah. Just tired."Mateo gave him a knowing look but didn't push further. "I'm dropping you off at school, then I have a long day at work. CF Igualada training today?""Yeah," Daniel replied. "Coach is watching how we play before the next tournament match."Mateo nodded. "Then focus on that. You'll do great."Daniel wished it was that simple
Make sure not to bother your Aunty with the way you are acting strange and remember that we have already disposed of all your troubles here in Igualada so you can just leave a normal life now.
Daniel felt that it wasn´t time to tell his Uncle about the new guy he saw during traning so he let it go and went into school with Sofia who he had started to think as more than a friend but he knew that he needed attention if he wanted to get anywhere near the tournament´s lineup as the coach never favoured anybody no matter the type of goal you score he says "Que el gol no es para él sino para el club y el gol decide si eres digno o no pero sus palabras a los fanáticos antes de cada partido fueron bastante conmovedoras, dice que hay que seguir luchando, los goles llegarán cuando lleguen." Daniel didn't understand a thin untill Sofia had explained it to him after training two weeks ago.
At Academia Igualada, the day dragged on. His Catalan class felt like it stretched for hours, and even English—which was easier for him—couldn't keep his attention. Every time he looked out the window, he half-expected to see that man watching him.Sofia sat beside him during lunch. "You okay?" she asked in a low voice.Daniel sighed. "Not really. You sure it was the same guy?""Positive," Sofia said. "He was near the school gates this morning. He wasn't doing anything, just… watching."Daniel clenched his fists under the table. If the leader of that organization was still alive, that meant this wasn't over.
Match Day: CF Igualada vs. Òdena
The small stadium buzzed with excitement. The commentator's voice boomed over the speakers:"Welcome, everyone, to tonight's match between CF Igualada and Òdena! Both teams are strong contenders in this tournament, and all eyes are on Daniel Carter, the rising star of Igualada's junior team!"Daniel jogged onto the pitch, stretching his arms. His ankle still felt sore from the last match, but he had no choice but to push through.The game kicked off, and Òdena came out aggressive. Their captain, Ferran, controlled the midfield, directing his team with sharp passes.Daniel darted between defenders, his time-perception ability helping him anticipate movements. He spotted an opening and sent a perfect through-ball to Miguel."¡Disparo! ¡PARADO! What a save by Òdena's goalkeeper!"Daniel groaned. That should have been a goal.Minutes before halftime, Erik sent a cross into the box. Daniel sprinted forward, leaped into the air, and twisted mid-air for a header."¡GOOOOL! Daniel Carter scores with a brilliant header!"The crowd exploded with cheers. But as he landed, his vision blurred, and a sharp pain shot through his ankle.Not now.