The changing room was filled with the smell of sweat. Damp grass. The Darmstadt U19 players were taking off their kits after the game. Lockers were. Closing. Players were talking quietly about the game. Some were laughing about the teams player who had pushed half of their team.
Jonas was sitting on the bench. He was taking off his boots slowly. He was letting the excitement of the game wash over him. He was not in a hurry to join the conversation.
Coach Lehmann was walking around the room. He was talking to each player. When he got to Jonas he. Put his hand on his shoulder. "You played well today Jonas. You were very calm on the field. You helped the team stay organized when the other team was pushing hard. I think you have the potential to be a leader. Get some rest. We will watch the game video tomorrow. Talk about the next game."
Jonas nodded. He was trying to look calm. "Thanks, Coach. I felt good about how I played. It was a test for me physically."
Felix was grinning at him from across the room. He was still sweaty from the game. "You made my job easier, man. That one long pass you made in the half was great. If you keep passing like that we will score a lot of goals this season."
Tim Hartmann was putting ice on his ankle. He said, "Yeah you ran a lot without getting tired. Season we were always chasing the other team. This feels different."
Jonas was quiet. He was listening to what they were saying. He was thinking about the game in his head. He was remembering the things he did. The times he won the ball back the one shot he made that the other teams goalkeeper saved the tackle he made that stopped the other team from scoring.
The bus ride back to the youth center was quiet. Most of the players were. Listening to music. Jonas was looking out the window. He was watching the streets of Darmstadt go by. The game had been what he needed. A chance to play against older and stronger players without too much pressure. He had played well. Helped his team get a good result.
When the bus dropped them off Jonas decided to walk. He wanted to stretch his legs. It felt good to walk after sitting on the bus. By the time he got home the sky was turning pink and orange. The lights in his apartment were on. It looked welcoming.
Soon as he opened the door his little sister Lina ran to him. She was excited to see him. "Jonas you're back from the game! Did you win? Did you kick the ball far? Tell me what happened!"
Jonas laughed. He picked her up. Spun her around. "It was a tie, 1-1. I played the first half and part of the second. I made some passes and helped stop the other team from scoring. I didn't do anything but the team played well together."
Linas eyes were shining. "You were like a protector in the middle of the field? Can I be the protector too when we play in the garden? I'll stop all the guys!"
Jonas smiled. "You can definitely be the protector.. First I need to sit down for a minute. My legs are tired from running much today."
His mom, Anna came out of the kitchen. She was smiling. "There you are. We heard the score online. Come eat. I kept dinner warm for you. You must be starving after that game."
His dad, Thomas got up from the couch. "It sounded like a game from what you said earlier. Were the other players physical?"
Jonas nodded. "Yes they were.. We stayed organized and played well together. Coach was happy with how we played in the middle of the field."
They all sat down to eat. Anna had made a delicious meal. Sauerbraten with cabbage and dumplings. The table was small so they all had to sit together. Jonas liked that. Lina was sitting next to him asking him questions and swinging her legs.
Jonas told her stories about the game. He made it sound exciting and fun. Lina. Nearly spilled her juice. "I would have cheered loud if I were there! Time I come watch, okay?"
Anna smiled. "We'll see about that.. Only if Jonas comes home safe and sound like tonight."
Thomas was eating his dinner. He said, "I'm proud of how you're handling this son. You're not getting too excited or too upset. That's the kind of attitude that will help you succeed."
The conversation was easy and relaxed. They talked about things. Upcoming games, work and school. Jonas offered to help with chores and taking care of Lina. It felt good to be a part of the family and to be able to contribute.
Later Jonas and Lina sat on the floor in the living room. They were drawing pictures together. Lina had already started drawing a football field with stick figures and arrows. "This is you today!" she said, pointing to the figure with the number 6. "You're making passes and stopping the bad guys."
Jonas sat down next to her. He started adding his details to the picture. Shapes for the players a referee with a whistle and a family watching from the sidelines. They drew together for a while talking and laughing.
When Lina got tired Jonas carried her to bed. He read her a story. Tucked her in. "We'll play lions versus dragons tomorrow okay?" she said, already half asleep.
"I promise," Jonas said, kissing her forehead. "Sleep well one. I love you."
"I love you more " she replied, smiling.
Jonas went back to the living room. His parents were watching TV quietly. They were talking about their day.
Anna said, "You've changed since you started playing football. You seem present and happy after games. It's good to see."
Thomas nodded. "That game might not have been a win but the way you talk about it. You're focusing on the team and not just yourself. That's the kind of attitude that will take you far. We're proud of you, son."
Jonas leaned back in his chair. He felt tired but happy. "I'm trying to do things this time. Football is important. So is family and being here for Lina. I want to make sure I get it right."
They talked for a while longer, about things. Jonas went to bed later feeling content and at peace. He thought about the game and what he needed to do to improve. He knew it wouldn't be easy. He was ready to work hard and make it happen.
When he lay down he could hear the noises of the apartment. He heard his father talking in a voice and his mother humming a soft tune. These sounds made him feel like all his hard work was worth it. He thought about Lina being so happy and excited. His parents were also very proud of him. They did not show it too much. He liked having dinner with his family after a day of playing sports.