The familiar sight of Dortmund's skyline through the airplane window on October 16th, 2013, brought a mixture of relief and anticipation as Mateo returned from Spanish international duty with two crucial performances behind him and a growing understanding of his role in both club and country's future plans.
The city that had become his home looked different somehow not because it had changed, but because he had.
"Psychological transition: subject returning to familiar environment with elevated status and expanded perspective," the System observed as the plane descended toward Dortmund Airport. "Integration challenge: maintaining authentic relationships despite changed circumstances and recognition."
