The hum of the Boeing 747 was a monotonous lullaby, a stark contrast to the cacophony of cheers and chants that had filled Mateo's ears just days before. He stared out the window, the endless expanse of clouds a canvas for his thoughts.
The summer had been a whirlwind - the triumph of the Bundesliga, the emotional reunion at Casa de los Niños, the quiet joy of Barcelona with Isabella, and the unexpected mentorship from Messi. Now, all of that felt like a distant dream, replaced by the reality of a new season, a new challenge: pre-season in China.
Beside him, Lukas snored softly, his head lolling against the window. Even the ever-energetic German had succumbed to the exhaustion of the long flight.
Mateo, however, found sleep elusive. His mind was a whirlwind of tactical diagrams, defensive formations, and the ghost of Robert Lewandowski's runs.
