The cool evening air was a welcome relief as Marcus and his father, Ethan, walked to the car. The glow of the streetlights illuminated the path, casting long shadows as they made their way to the parking lot. Marcus glanced back at the pitch one last time, seeing Mia wave goodbye before heading to her own ride.
"Great game today, Marcus!" Mia called out. "See you tomorrow!"
"See you, Mia!" Marcus replied, waving back with a smile. But as soon as Mia was out of sight, his nerves began to bubble up again. He knew he had to tell his father about the offer from Fulham, but he wasn't sure how Ethan would react.
The drive home was quiet, the only sound being the hum of the engine and the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind. Ethan's focus was on the road, but Marcus could feel his father's presence weighing heavily beside him. He took a deep breath, gathering his courage.
"Dad, something happened after the match today," Marcus began, trying to keep his voice steady.
Ethan glanced at him, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Oh? What's that, son?"
"Well," Marcus hesitated, "a scout from Fulham approached me. He said he was impressed with my play and offered me a spot in their youth development program."
Ethan's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Fulham? That's... unexpected."
Marcus couldn't quite read his father's expression. "Yeah, he gave me his card and asked us to call him to discuss the details."
Ethan was silent for a moment, his face thoughtful as he navigated the winding roads. Finally, he spoke, his tone measured. "Fulham is a smaller club compared to the likes of United, but they have a solid development program. This could be a good opportunity for you to grow as a player."
Marcus felt a mix of relief and anxiety. "You think so?"
Ethan nodded slowly. "Yes, Marcus. Any opportunity to play at a higher level and get professional training is valuable. But I want you to think carefully about this. It's a big commitment, and I want to make sure it's the right fit for you."
Marcus swallowed, sensing the gravity of his father's words. "I know, Dad. I've been thinking about it a lot. I just didn't want you to be disappointed that it's not a bigger club like United."
Ethan glanced at Marcus, his expression softening. "Marcus, I'm proud of you no matter what. This journey is about your growth and happiness, not just the prestige of the club. If Fulham sees potential in you, that's a great start. We'll support you in whatever decision you make."
The weight on Marcus's chest lifted slightly, and he managed a genuine smile. "Thanks, Dad. That means a lot."
As they pulled into the driveway of their home, Ethan turned off the engine and turned to Marcus. "Let's talk to your mom about this and give the scout a call tomorrow. We'll figure this out together."
Marcus nodded, feeling a renewed sense of hope and determination. The path ahead was still uncertain, but with his father's support, he knew he could face any challenge.
Walking into the house, Marcus couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The offer from Fulham might not have been what he initially dreamed of, but it was a step forward—a new chapter in his journey to become the best player he could be.