CH-1 Reincarniation
In the thrilling finals of the academy competition between Barcelona and Real Madrid, the score stood at 3-3, heightening the tension. All eyes were on Mateo Alejandra, the exceptional center forward for Barcelona, as the clock struck the 88th minute.
Dazzling with skill, Mateo initiated a mesmerizing dribble from the midfield, gracefully maneuvering around defenders Maria Gutierrez and Alejandro Hernandez of Real Madrid. The crowd, a mosaic of team colors, watched in awe as Mateo showcased the brilliance that set him apart in the tournament.
Approaching the penalty area, Gutierrez and Hernandez, formidable defenders, struggled to contain Mateo. The stadium held its breath, sensing this moment could decide the match.
Penetrating the D-box, Mateo Alejandra unleashed a thunderous shot that echoed through the stadium. The Real Madrid goalkeeper, a towering figure, stretched desperately but couldn't reach the ferocious strike.
In the 88th minute, the net bulged, and Barcelona fans erupted in ecstasy. Mateo's goal shifted the scoreline to 4-3, sealing their victory. The spectacle of Mateo, arms wide, absorbing cheers marked an unforgettable moment in academy tournament history.
As the final whistle blew, Mateo couldn't believe the reality of their victory. Heading towards his parents in the stands, he was greeted with warm congratulations from his father and mother. The joy reflected in their eyes mirrored the journey that led to this remarkable achievement.
Stepping onto the stage to receive honors and the trophy, Mateo couldn't shake the surreal feeling of this moment. The academy had offered a two-week vacation, a break from intense football training. While reveling in victory, Mateo looked forward to the simple joys of home, especially the comfort of his mom's meals.
With plans to indulge in non-football activities, Mateo contemplated reading manga and anime. The mention of the Blue Lock anime caught his attention, a perfect way to unwind.
In the midst of the celebration, Felix, a fellow academy player from England, approached Mateo. As a fresh recruit, Felix was heading back home for the holidays. Mateo promised to show him around Barcelona, sharing not just football culture but also the historical richness of the city. The vacation promised a blend of victory, relaxation, and the warmth of friendship in Barcelona's enchanting streets.
The prospect of touring Barcelona's sights with Felix had Mateo looking forward to Saturday, a day of exploration and camaraderie with no football commitments.
As the weekend unfolded, I journeyed with my family to our home near Poble Espanyol. Nestled in the heart of Barcelona, the surroundings were enchanting. Stepping into my house, greeted by my mother's request to freshen up for dinner, I felt at home. After a refreshing bath, I stood in my room surrounded by posters, the most prominent one depicting Messi kissing the World Cup.
Despite the bittersweet memory of Spain's loss, witnessing Messi's triumph felt like a wish fulfilled, a completion of football itself.
"Maetooo, come fast or the food will go cold," my mother's voice called from downstairs, pulling me back to the present. "Yes, Mom," I replied, making my way to the dining table.
The spread before me was a delightful array of dishes, with my mom's signature Lechazo taking center stage. A feast awaited, and at that moment, concerns about diets and restrictions faded away.
Life, it seemed, was meant to be savored and enjoyed. And so, with prayers offered, we indulged in a meal that transcended mere sustenance, embodying the joy of shared moments and the simple pleasures of home.
After supper, I pitched in to help Mom with the dishes. With the kitchen restored to order, I retreated to my room, eager for some evening reading on my phone. No breaking news or articles, just a bit of manga to unwind.
As I scrolled through, I noticed an upgrade to Blue Lock, a story that, despite its occasional over-the-top nature, held a peculiar grip on me. A mix of love and frustration, yet I couldn't resist delving into its narrative.
With a few chapters enjoyed, I decided it was time to call it a night. Tomorrow held plans to meet Felix in the morning and, later in the evening, catch the UEFA Champions League finals between Manchester City and Inter Milan. My prediction leaned toward a convincing win for Manchester City.
Feeling drowsy, I closed my eyes, ready to embrace a good night's sleep.
Waking up, I felt a sense of refreshment. I extended my arms and looked around, noticing something strange. The body felt heavy, and as I surveyed my surroundings, everything seemed large. A guy in a white coat caught my eye, and I realized I was in a hospital. Nervousness crept in as I looked around in shock. "I am a baby!!!" I wailed, the cry not of a newborn but of someone who lost everything. Overwhelmed, I fell asleep again.
Awakening once more, it appeared to be morning. I found myself writing near the wall in an unfamiliar Asian language, perhaps Japanese. A massive human lay beside my bed, looking tired. The yearning to go near her conflicted with the faces of Mom and Dad that eluded my memory. Perhaps a reincarnation perk, but why was I here?
A guy entered the room, lifting me and whispering something. Presumably, my dad was a hard-working man with soft features and callouses. Returned to my mom's embrace, she murmured something. I couldn't understand, yet I stared at her while struggling to move my arms. 'Look, honey, he loved me more than you,' my mom said, or so I translated. Deal with it.
After the chaotic events, I succumbed to sleep once again, finding relief in the comforting warmth of my new mom. It appeared that my infant brain had reached its limit, choosing for a shutdown. Before drifting into slumber, a gentle prayer escaped me, reaching out to the family from my former life, wherever they might be. The tranquility of the moment, cradled in the embrace of my new mother, offered a respite from the overwhelming strangeness of my present existence.