Ethan's nineteenth birthday was, without a doubt, the best day of his life.
It wasn't about the presents—though the new trainers from his parents and the vintage football shirt from Sarah were perfect. It was about the feeling.
The feeling of being surrounded by his team, his real team, and knowing, with absolute certainty, that everything was going to be okay.
The week that followed was a happy, peaceful blur.
His mom's recovery was steady, her laughter returning to the house like a long-lost melody. His shifts at CostMart became a comfortable routine, and the small but significant wage packet he received at the end of the week felt more valuable than any virtual prize money.
He handed most of it to his dad, who put it away for household expenses, but he kept a little for himself. For the first time, he had his own, hard-earned money.
On Saturday, with no Apex United match scheduled, a rare sense of freedom filled the air.
He met Leo at their usual spot in the park.
