The Weight of Expectations

The cold evening wind swept through the CF Igualada training grounds. The floodlights hummed above, illuminating the damp grass where the players were finishing their post-match cooldown.

Daniel sat on the bench, wrapping his fingers around a bottle of water. His body was exhausted, but his mind was racing.It wasn't just an idea anymore—it was real. Sofia had been called up, and now it was his turn to prove he was ready."Carter, you listening?"Daniel blinked and looked up. Coach Morales was standing over him, arms crossed."You played well today," Morales said. "But well isn't enough."Daniel straightened.Morales continued, "We're facing CF Olesa next. They're not just strong—they're ruthless. If you don't show me you can handle the pressure, you won't be playing. Understand?"Daniel swallowed. "Yes, coach."Morales gave him one last look before walking off.Miguel, who had been tying his shoelaces nearby, nudged him. "Looks like you've got work to do."Daniel exhaled sharply. "Yeah."After practice, Daniel and Miguel walked through the streets of Igualada. The town was alive with chatter—bars were crowded, and football was on every TV screen.One place had highlights of the Real Madrid vs. Manchester City game."Three-two," Miguel muttered, shaking his head. "Madrid got lucky."Daniel smirked. "Or maybe City just choked."Miguel chuckled. "Maybe."They passed a café, and Daniel suddenly stopped.Sofia was inside, sitting at a small table near the window. A coffee cup in her hands, eyes lost in thought.Miguel followed his gaze. "You gonna ask her out now or wait until she's already married?"Daniel glared. "Shut up."Miguel grinned. "I'm just saying. You keep staring at her like that, people are gonna think you forgot how to talk."Daniel rolled his eyes. "I talk just fine.""Then prove it."Before he could think twice, Miguel pushed him toward the café door.Daniel turned to punch his arm, but Miguel was already walking away, laughing.Daniel hesitated before stepping inside. The café smelled of coffee and fresh pastries, and the warmth was a welcome contrast to the chilly air outside.Sofia looked up as he approached."Hey," he said, trying to sound casual."Hey," she replied, smiling slightly. "Did Miguel finally convince you to talk to me?"Daniel nearly choked. "What? No—I mean, yes, but—"Sofia laughed. "Relax, Carter. Sit down."He slid into the seat across from her."How's training?" she asked."Tough," he admitted. "Morales is making sure we earn our spot."She nodded. "That's how it should be. You ready for Olesa?""I have to be," he said. "Morales won't start me otherwise."Sofia took a sip of her coffee. "You'll be fine. You don't realize how good you actually are."Daniel wasn't sure how to respond to that.After a moment, he cleared his throat. "Listen… after the next game, do you want to go out for coffee?"Sofia raised an eyebrow. "You mean like right now?""No, I mean… like, not in a football uniform. You know, outside of training."Sofia studied him for a second, then smiled. "Alright, Carter. After the next game."Daniel let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding."Good," he said, trying not to sound too relieved.The next day at Academia Igualada, Daniel found himself struggling to focus in class.His Catalan was improving, but there were moments when he had no idea what the teacher was saying. His mind drifted between football, Sofia, and the growing feeling that something was off.At lunch, he sat with Miguel and Luis in the cafeteria. The conversation was mostly about football—who was getting promoted, who was playing well, and who was falling behind.Then someone spoke behind him."El yankee."Daniel turned to see Javi, one of their teammates."You still dreaming about getting promoted?" Javi smirked.Daniel held his gaze. "You jealous?"Javi chuckled. "Just making sure you know—some of us have been waiting years for a shot. You? You've been here five minutes."Miguel stood up. "What's your problem, Javi?"Javi shrugged. "No problem. Just reminding Carter that nothing's guaranteed."With that, he walked off.Luis sighed. "That guy's a clown."Daniel exhaled slowly. Javi wasn't wrong.Nothing was guaranteed.And if he wanted to prove he belonged, he had to show it on the pitch.The stadium wasn't huge, but the crowd was loud. Parents, fans, and scouts filled the stands.Daniel stood in the tunnel, shifting his weight from foot to foot. Morales had not told him if he was starting yet.The team lined up, waiting for instructions.Morales finally spoke. "Daniel."Daniel looked up."You're on the bench."His stomach dropped.He nodded, forcing himself to stay calm."Stay ready," Morales added. "You might come in."Daniel clenched his fists. He had to be ready.The whistle blew, and the match exploded into action.CF Olesa was aggressive, pressing high and cutting off passing lanes. CF Igualada struggled to move the ball forward.At the 20th minute, Olesa scored.0-1.Morales shook his head from the sideline.By halftime, the score was still 0-1.Daniel sat on the bench, frustrated. He could see things others couldn't—Olesa's defensive weaknesses, the gaps in their positioning.He was ready to make a difference.Morales turned to him."Carter. Warm up."Daniel shot up from the bench.This was his moment.