Chapter 55 – Widen the Frame

Chapter 55 – Widen the Frame

The Palmeiras dressing room buzzed after the final whistle—not with chaos, but with the tempered rhythm of a job well done. Another clean result, another three points secured. But even amid the professional calm, Thiago felt it: the subtle shift in how eyes met his. Not awe. Not celebration.

Respect.

He had started the match and held his ground. Not flashy, not overwhelming—but present. Contributing. Trusted.

Still in his kit, he sat on the end of the bench as Rafael offered him half a protein bar. "You did your job," the midfielder said, no flare in the compliment. "Again."

Thiago nodded. "Thanks."

"Just don't start getting bored now that you're used to it."

He cracked a tired grin. "Not yet."