When they finally pulled apart, both breathless and smiling, Isabella cupped his face in her hands.
"What's your resolution?" she asked. "What do you want for this year?"
Mateo thought for a moment, then signed, "I want to play with joy. I want to lead with humility. I want to give with generosity. I want to be the best version of myself, not just as a player, but as a person. I want to make a difference."
Isabella smiled, her eyes shining. "That's perfect. And you know what? I have no doubt you'll do all of that and more."
They stood there for a long time, watching the fireworks, holding each other, feeling the weight of the old year fall away and the promise of the new year settle over them like a warm blanket.
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