"You're 'The Gaffer'."
Ethan's mind went into overdrive.
His two worlds, the secret, high-stakes universe of the FCG and the simple, real world of his dad's toy shop, had just collided.
His dad was looking at him, a completely bewildered expression on his face.
"The Gaffer?" he repeated, a frown creasing his brow. "What's he talking about, son?"
Before Ethan could even begin to formulate a lie, the young fan, Sam, took a step forward, his eyes shining with the pure, unadulterated adoration of a true believer.
"Your son is a genius, Mr. Couch!" he gushed. "I watched his stream last night! The game against Lincoln City? The free-kick routine was a masterstroke! And the puppy! How did you even program a puppy into the game?! It was hilarious!"
Ethan just stood there, a deer in the headlights, as Sam recounted the entire, chaotic match with a breathless, encyclopedic knowledge.
His dad listened, his expression shifting from confusion to a dawning, proud understanding.
