Later that afternoon, Lukas insisted they go for a walk around the campus. "You need fresh air," he said firmly. "And I need to make sure you don't turn into a hermit."
Mateo protested, but Lukas was insistent. So they set off, Mateo on his crutches, Lukas walking beside him, their pace slow but steady.
It was Lukas's way of keeping Mateo active, of preventing his body from becoming stiff and weak during the recovery period. He had researched it, had talked to the medical staff, and had made it his personal mission to ensure that Mateo stayed as mobile as possible.
As they walked, they encountered a group of fans who were taking a tour of the training complex. The moment they spotted Mateo, their faces lit up with recognition, followed immediately by concern as they noticed the crutches.
"Mateo! Oh no, your ankle!" a young boy, no more than ten years old, exclaimed, his eyes wide with worry.
