The bigger picture (2)

Che's teammate lost the foot race, and with it, the ball.

"Hey, kid! Watch where you're passing!"

Che furrowed his brow, confused, but jogged back into position without a word.

He kept sticking to his plan, weaving past defenders with ease, but when it came to passing… it wasn't clicking. His ideas were a step ahead, but his teammates weren't reading them the same way. One after another, his passes fell flat—or worse, broke the rhythm. Shouts started raining in from all sides.

"What's the point of all that dribbling if you're just gonna mess up the pass?"

Che's shoulders dropped—not because he didn't believe in himself, but because the trust just wasn't there. He was playing with strangers who didn't get the picture he saw in his head.

The coaches caught on. They blew the whistle for a water break and gathered everyone.

"Alright, we're making a quick change—not for selection, just evaluation."

"Adrian. Switch with Che."

A ripple of confusion went through the group. No one quite knew what the switch was about—but Che felt his heart lift. This was his shot.

"What's with the grin? You think this is funny?"

"Oh—no, I didn't even realize I was smiling."

The match restarted, and sure enough, the starters—now with Adrian—moved the ball smoother. Meanwhile, Che stayed patient on his new squad, knowing what to expect.

Then came the moment.

Leon picked up the ball in midfield and burst forward, slicing through two players. But pressure came quick. He glanced sideways—and spotted Che, open and calling.

Leon smirked to himself. This is it.

He threaded the ball to Che, who took a sharp touch and accelerated instantly, eyes already scanning ahead. That touch sparked something in Leon—like a signal—and he followed.

Che was in flow state. His thoughts weren't words anymore, just movement, instinct. He passed blindly into space.

And Leon was there.

He met the ball in stride and bounced it straight back to Che. One-two.

Che cut inside, facing two defenders now. He feinted right—they bit. Both chased his decoy run while he left the ball behind.

Leon scooped it up and surged forward into the empty space. Just him and the keeper now.

The finish? Easy. Bottom corner, calm as ever.

The field froze.

"Wait... that's the same kid?"

"What the hell just happened?"

Che and Leon locked eyes.

Leon jogged over. "You can see it, huh?"

"I can. I'm surprised you could."

"I can."

They high-fived, no more words needed.

The synergy didn't stop. They pulled the strings for the rest of the game—until the coach had to swap Leon to even things out. It was getting too unfair.

When training ended, Che was drenched in sweat, panting, but buzzing with adrenaline. He couldn't stop moving, couldn't stop shaking.

"Coach! Coach—can we play another 30?"

The coach blinked. "What?"

Even the players turned, staring at him.

"Kid, you can barely stand."

Che tried to speak, but he was wheezing too hard to say much else. The coach shook his head, smiling, and ended the session.

In the changing room, the silence was awkward. Until a voice broke it.

"Kid—"

"My name's Che."

"Sorry. Che. Just curious—why're you playing for a school team like ours? You clearly belong in an academy."

Che shrugged. "I dunno. I heard the school had a football team, so I joined."

Truth was, he hadn't even known what youth football was. This—this was his first real team.

"What about you?"

The boy hesitated, but before he could answer, someone jumped in.

"He has! Tried out everywhere. Been released more than his mom's groceries."

The room cracked up.

"Very funny."

"Wait, seriously?"

"Yeah. I've tried out a few times. Haven't been good enough—yet. I'll try again next year. I'm not there yet… but I'm working for it."

Che looked down.

"So… I could be released too?"

"I dunno, man. Maybe. But maybe you should try out."

"Maybe."