Chapter 267: Family Dinner
That drive took just over three hours. But when Niels pulled into the quiet suburban driveway, it felt like he had entered a different world.
There were no floodlights, media vans, or football staff around. It was a quiet Sunday evening in late January. A light frost covered the neighborhood and warm light came through the windows of his parents' house.
Niels turned off the engine and stayed in the car for a moment. He rested his forehead against the steering wheel and took a deep breath trying to forget about the league table, the injuries, and the problems waiting for him.
He got out, zipped up his coat and walked to the front door. He didn't even need to knock.
The door opened, and his mother immediately pulled him into a hug.
"You look far too thin, Niels," she said, stepping back to look at him. She took his coat as she led him inside. "Don't they feed you at that football club? You look like you haven't slept in a month."
