Che and his mother finally went to visit Lana at Munich the weekend before the final. Daniel (Lana's agent) has joined them in at their dinner celebration of Lana joining the first team.
''Seriously guys this isn't something worth celebrating that much.''
''No, but we still have to do it. You're somewhat of a professional now, right Dani?'' Their mother raises her glass while laughing.
''Your mother's right Lana, it might not be something big but it's a step worth celebrating a little.''
''Okay. Thank you, guys, for being here anyways. I missed you guys so much.''
''Lana I've been meaning to ask...how is it? Playing with the first team?'' Che asks excitingly.
''For the first week it was hard to maintain at their training level, but I settle quicker than even I expected. What about you? How's things there?''
''Oh my gosh you too, I know we're celebrating Lana's football thing but can you guys calm down on talking about football.'' Their mother interrupts.
''Come on Eva let the kids catch up for a while, it's almost been a year you know?''
They both laugh while the two ignore the two of them and Che talks about his experiences under Stuttgart's youth for past months. And Lana listens to what he also has to say about opponents like Djaby and Timo who have been a huge part in his motivation in becoming the best player he can be.
''Wow, you seem to be learning a lot. I'm proud of you kiddo.''
''Yeah, I got to enjoy football a lot after I joined them. And now I'm focused on the final next weekend.''
''Cool, I'll be watching too. Since we're not playing. By the way, did you use what I thought you that day or... about your defense.''
''Ohh, no I totally forgot about that. Turns out, I didn't need it.''
''I told you so!'' She slaps him on the head.
''Hey!'' Eva shouts. ''You won't be doing such things in a restaurant. Don't try to embarrass me in front of these people.'' She looks at Lana, threatening her with her eyes.
''Sorry ma.''
Che looks at Lana, and the two of them just stare at each other.
''What? why are you looking at me like that?''
''You know... I was being serious about what we talked about the other day you know.''
''About us becoming legends?''
''Yeah... so just because you made the first team doesn't mean you should slack of, because I won't be.''
''Definitely.'' She smiles.
...
Leon and his family are busy eating dinner, and Leon is very quiet while the family is loud as ever. Everyone is talking to someone while Leon is his own thoughts.
''Leon is everything okay? You've been really quiet recently.''
''I'm fine. Just tired that's all.''
''Oh boy, you should probably try relaxing from those morning runs than. It's probably them.''
''Big bwother is sad.'' One his says. ''Mama look he is sad.''
''Please excuse me.'' Leon gets up and leaves the room.
He goes upstairs and throws himself face first on his bed and covers his face under the pillow. Minutes later someone knocks on his door, and it's his father.
''Son, is everything okay?''
''I'm fine, I told you. I'm just tired.''
''Yeah son, you're bad liar.'' He scoffs. ''Even your sister can see that you're sad.''
He turns himself around and faces his dad who takes a seat on the corner of his bed.
''I just... dad I don't know I'm scared.'' He sighs. ''It's just that nothing has changed since that Dortmund match, and I've been playing with fear ever since that match. I don't know I just feel like there's something blocking my mind from thinking.
And it's not only that, but also the fact that I can feel that I'm not playing at my best. And if that's the case what if I get dropped again. I'm already 16 dad and my peers are getting better and how will I get better if I keep getting released?
I don't know any more dad... All of these thoughts have been on my head every day. What if I'm not good enough? What if he stops me? What if I get released? Will my dream of being a footballer end just like that.''
His dad looks at him and doesn't say anything. The whole room is silent, and Leon just sighs again, and his dad can see the fear in Leon's eyes. He just stared at him and finally stood up approaching Leon slowly.
He finally stands in front of him and then he suddenly slaps him. Not hard but enough for Leon to just stare at him shock.
''Dad what the heck-''
''Son, what are you doing?''
''What? What do you mean?''
''Have you forgot what I've taught you for as long as you could live. The essence of you being footballer?''
''No-''
''Then tell me why you're doing this to yourself!'' He shouts. Everyone in the house could hear him.
''The one rule I remember telling you as a player. Is to never be scared, and if you are in fear, you face that fear. You challenge it and overcome it. I don't care whether it's this or anything else in your life. Never be scared of what you're scared of.''
''What does that even-'' Leon stares at him confused.
''Son. No one will be able to fight these kinds of battles for you, not even me and your mother. Football will forever have situations like this even in your regular life. But overcoming them is what will make you a great footballer and a great person. Stop crying and face your fear, grow son.''
Leon doesn't answer and just stares down. His father leaves him just like that.
'' Remember son, a man that has something to lose. Should do anything and everything their power to protect it. Whether it's his family or the thing he desires the most.''
He closes the door. And Leon just sits there thinking about it all, about everything he had to overcome from childhood to get himself here. The things he had to learn as a player. Everything up until now, his most devastating loss and his most pleasant win.