Three days passed.
Each one dragged like a slow-motion replay.
Lucas checked his phone constantly—during breakfast, on the bus, even hiding it in class. Nothing. No call. No message.
By the third night, his hope started to flicker like a dying streetlight.
He kicked a ball against the alley wall until it was too dark to see. Júlio sat nearby, sipping guaraná.
"Maybe they picked someone else," Lucas muttered.
Júlio leaned forward. "Or maybe they're just slow. These clubs, man—they move like turtles."
Lucas nodded, but inside, he felt it slipping away.
The next morning, just as the sun broke over the rooftops, Lucas's phone buzzed.
Unknown Number.
He stared at it for a heartbeat too long.
Then answered.
"Alô?"
"Lucas Santiago?" the voice said. Firm.
Professional.
"Sim. Ja sou eu."
"This is Coach Ribeiro, from Grêmio Esperança.
You impressed us at the tryout. We'd like to invite you to train with the U17 squad starting Monday. If you're interested."
Lucas nearly dropped the phone.
"I—yes! Yes, I want to!"
"Good. Be here at 7 a.m. sharp. Don't be late."
He hung up and screamed so loud his mother came rushing in, thinking something was wrong.
"Mãe, eu consegui! I got in!"
She blinked, then hugged him so tight he could barely breathe.
Tears slipped down her cheek.
"I knew you would," she whispered.
Later that day, Lucas and Júlio celebrated by playing barefoot at their local court. No rules. No coaches. Just joy.
"Next Neymar, huh?" Júlio teased.
Lucas smirked, flicking the ball over Júlio's head. "Better."
Chapter 5: First Day, New World will follow Lucas as he steps into the professional world—where talent isn't enough, and not everyone wants him to shine.
Shall we keep going?