The Next Big Thing

David's day began like any other—early, before the sun had even stretched its rays across the sky. He was already on the treadmill at the gym, his feet pounding against the moving belt in a steady rhythm, the soft hum of the machine mixing with his focused breathing. His training was relentless. Every run, every drill, every shot—he knew it wasn't just about getting better. It was about proving something. To himself. To his family.

His phone buzzed from the side, and he wiped the sweat from his brow before reaching for it. His mom's name flashed across the screen. He took a deep breath and answered.

"Hey, Mom."

"David, darling!" Her voice was warm, like a blanket on a cold morning. "How's everything going? I watched your match yesterday—well, I saw the highlights. You were amazing. I'm so proud of you."

David couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips. "Thanks, Mom. You know it's just another game, right?"

"Oh, I know, but to me, every game is a big deal." She paused for a moment, then added, "i heard your dad called you hope it was good?"

David's chest tightened slightly. "it was... he's good. He called me last night, said he was proud. It meant a lot."

She sighed, and he could hear the worry in her voice. "You know your dad... he's not the best with words. But he does care. I'm glad he's starting to show it."

David's eyes turned toward the window, the early morning light spilling over the horizon. He spoke quietly, almost to himself. "I want to make it easier for both of you. I want to change things. Make life better... for all of us."

His mom's voice softened. "I know, sweetie. You're already doing that. Keep working hard, and everything will come together. We believe in you."

David let out a breath. "Thanks, Mom. I promise... I won't let you down."

After the call, he stepped off the treadmill, stretched his legs, and prepared for the day ahead. It wasn't long before he was in the team's cafeteria, the smells of breakfast filling the air. As usual, Eloise, the team's beloved cook, was behind the counter, her smile as warm as her food.

"Morning, David," she greeted him with a wink. "The usual?"

"You know it," he replied, already settling into his usual spot at the counter. Eloise served him up a plate of scrambled eggs, toast, and bacon.

"You're looking stronger every day, love. Got big plans today?" she asked as she slid the plate in front of him.

David smiled and took a bite. "Training, then more training. It never stops."

"Well, if anyone can make it, it's you." Eloise gave him a knowing look. "You're going places, kid. I can feel it."

"Thanks, Eloise. You're the best," David said, feeling a warmth in his chest from the genuine support. It wasn't just the food; it was the encouragement that mattered.

After breakfast, David joined his teammates in the training field. The mood was light, but the focus was clear. Laughter mixed with grunts of effort as they worked through drills, passes, and shots. David felt the camaraderie around him, the bond between them all. He wasn't just a teammate; he was part of a family now.

They took a short break for water, and David leaned against the side of the pitch, chatting with Martyn and David Jones. They joked around, but David's mind was always half on the next match, half on the future.

As the session came to a close, Wayne Rooney, player-coach extraordinaire, stepped forward, clapping his hands to get everyone's attention.

"Alright, lads. Listen up," he began, his tone authoritative but with a hint of excitement. "Next week's schedule is packed. We've got Luton away on the 28th, Stoke City at home on the 30th, and an FA Cup match with Northampton on the 2nd."

David's heart skipped a beat. The thought of the FA Cup, the prestigious tournament, thrilled him. It was his chance to prove himself on an even bigger stage.

Wayne's voice cut through the buzz of conversation. "It's going to be a busy week, so make sure you're all resting and staying sharp. No slacking off."

David's face broke into a grin. A full week of matches. It was the kind of challenge he'd been waiting for. A chance to show just how far he could go.

As the team gathered their things and headed off the field, David lingered for a moment, his mind racing with thoughts of the future. It wasn't just about the next match or the game after that—it was about everything. The dream. The drive. The ball in his hands, and the way it could change everything.

For his family. For himself. For the life he wanted to build.