Three weeks later. Lucas's apartment. Evening.
His phone rings. Unknown number. German area code.
He answers.
VOICE: "Lucas Santos?"
LUCAS: "Yes?"
VOICE: "My name is Hannes Müller. I'm the assistant coach for the German U-21 national team."
Lucas sits up straight.
MÜLLER: "I've been watching your progress at Léon. Your recovery. Your performances. I'm impressed."
LUCAS: "Thank you."
MÜLLER: "I also saw what happened with Brazil."
Lucas's jaw tightens.
MÜLLER: "And I think you're better than that moment."
LUCAS: "...Thank you."
MÜLLER: "Lucas, I'm calling because we'd like to invite you to join the German U-21 squad. You're eligible through your mother's heritage. We see a pathway for you here. We believe in you."
Lucas is silent.
MÜLLER: "I know this is a big decision. Take your time. But I want you to know we want you."
Lucas exhales slowly.
LUCAS: "I accept."
MÜLLER: "You... you accept? Just like that?"
LUCAS: "Yes. I accept."
That night. Phone call.
LUCAS: "Dad, I need to tell you something."
RICO: "What's wrong?"
LUCAS: "Nothing's wrong. I just... Germany called. Their U-21 team. They want me."
Silence.
RICO: "And?"
LUCAS: "I said yes."
More silence.
RICO: "Lucas—"
LUCAS: "I know what you're going to say."
RICO: "Do you?"
LUCAS: "That I'm giving up on Brazil. That I'm running away. That I should keep fighting for my spot."
RICO: "...Actually, I was going to ask if you're sure."
Lucas pauses.
RICO: "Because this isn't a small decision, son. You wear a different flag, and there's no going back."
LUCAS: "I know."
RICO: "Okay. Then I support you."
LUCAS: "Really?"
RICO: "Really. You need to play. You need to grow. If Germany gives you that chance, take it."
Lucas exhales, relief flooding through him.
LUCAS: "Thanks, Dad."
RICO: "But Lucas?"
LUCAS: "Yeah?"
RICO: "Call your brother. Tell him yourself."
LUCAS: "I..."
RICO: "Call him."
Rico's house. Klaus is visiting. Two days later.
Klaus is in the kitchen, getting water, when he hears Rico on the phone in the other room.
RICO: "So when do you leave for camp?"
KLAUS (thinking): Leave for camp? Lucas doesn't have a camp.
RICO: "Germany. Right. I know. It's a big change."
Klaus freezes.
RICO: "You made the right choice, son. You need to play."
Klaus sets the glass down. Walks into the hallway.
Rico sees him. His face shifts.
RICO: "Lucas, I'll call you back."
He hangs up.
KLAUS: "Germany?"
RICO: "Klaus—"
KLAUS: "He's playing for GERMANY?"
RICO: "He got called up. He accepted."
KLAUS: "And you ALLOWED him?!"
RICO: "I didn't choose this, Klaus. He did."
KLAUS: "You could've stopped him!"
RICO: "No, I couldn't. And I wouldn't. He needs to play. Brazil dropped him. Germany didn't."
Klaus stares at him, betrayed.
KLAUS: "You always help him."
RICO: "That's not fair."
KLAUS: "Isn't it?"
He grabs his jacket and walks out.
Split-screen. Same night.
LUCAS:
Lucas is in his apartment, alone.
He pulls out his Brazil U-21 shirt. Holds it for a long moment.
Then folds it carefully and places it in a drawer.
He closes the drawer.
KLAUS:
Klaus is in his apartment, alone.
He pulls out his Brazil shirt. New. Unworn.
He hangs it in his closet.
Stares at it.
Then closes the door.
Two flags.
Same surname.