The morning sun filtered through the curtains of the hotel dining room, casting a soft, golden glow over the team as they gathered for breakfast. The mood was quieter than usual, with the sting of the previous night's narrow defeat still fresh. Plates were filled, coffee poured, but there was an unmistakable tension lingering over the players, a sense of unfinished business.
Michael Forrester, the head coach, stood at the front of the room, surveying his squad. Despite the loss, he had seen enough heart and resilience in his players to feel proud. He cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention.
