Later that night, Mateo and Isabella walked through the quiet streets of Barcelona. The city was alive with the magic of the holiday season lights twinkling in every window, the sound of carolers in the distance, the smell of cinnamon and pine in the air.
They walked hand in hand, not speaking, just enjoying the simple pleasure of being together. They passed by the Camp Nou, its massive structure looming in the darkness, and Mateo felt a strange mixture of emotions. This had been his dream once, to play here, to wear the Blaugrana. But that dream had been taken from him, crushed by rejection and dismissal.
And yet, standing here now, he didn't feel bitterness. He felt... gratitude. Because that rejection had led him to Dortmund, to Klopp, to a family that believed in him. It had led him to this moment, to this life, to this incredible journey.
"Do you ever wonder what would have happened if they hadn't released you?" Isabella asked quietly, as if reading his thoughts.
