"Lucas, it's been two minutes. Can you make it?" Mr. Yamamoto asked.
At that moment, Lucas raised his head and looked at Yamamoto. The coach was a man of few words, so even if Lucas chose not to use words, the coach would understand what Lucas wanted.
"Yes, Coach!" replied Lucas, getting up from the stretcher.
Mr. Yamamoto smiled. He, more than most, knew how much Lucas had struggled to improve to get to this moment. He was an honest boy who worked hard for the team, and the coach also knew that soccer was the center of this boy's world.
Lucas raised his head, meeting Yamamoto's steady gaze. The coach was a man of few words, but his face, although serious, showed a hint of hope. He, more than anyone, knew how hard Lucas had fought to reach this moment. The coach also knew that, despite everything, soccer was the center of the boy's world.