"Ring ring ring ring…"
Hello, who's calling?
Hello, Mr. Frank. How are you?
Fine. Who is this?
We've met before, in the locker room yesterday while you were dancing with joy over the victory. I am Fabio, the sports director for the Capital team.
Frank, huh? Tell me without beating around the bush, what do you want?
Fabio: Hahaha, straight to the point then. I've already spoken with John on the phone. I'm trying to convince him to move and coach the Capital team. We've been suffering from a coaching problem for weeks, the season is in its final stages, and we'll need a good coach like him, and...
Frank interrupted him, saying: Are you joking? He added, Tell me first, what did John say to you? I know him; he is a polite man and wouldn't insult you. As for me, I won't be so kind, you coward. Why didn't you say this to me yesterday while you were snooping around? I would have broken your face. I know you people are selfish and think only of yourselves. Don't let me see you around; I'm warning you.
Fabio: No, no, man, don't get angry. I only said that since poor John is suffering—and you know he needs treatment—how long do you think he can hold out?
Frank: That's none of your business. He is my team's coach, and I will not give him up, no matter what it costs.
Fabio: I know you're a practical man. Don't you think John being with a team like that is just a waste of time? You won the last match, but that doesn't mean you'll succeed in staying up. Even if you do stay up, it's a waste of time. John needs us. We will be playing in the second division next season, and we need a coach like John. Everyone here thinks so.
Frank: Do you think I care what you or your people think? I don't care. Yes, you'll be in the second division next season, but there's another team that will join you, and it will be us.
He hung up the phone.
Immediately after, he called without delay: Hello, Frank. How are you this morning?
John, without dragging this out, please tell me, are you leaving us?
John: Man, what kind of talk is this so early in the morning?
Frank: Someone from the Capital told me he wants you for his team. Are you going to leave me? Tell me honestly, John.
John: Listen, Frank, you know my health situation isn't great. He then said loudly, Don't bother me with this nonsense again! That person called me, and I told him no. End of story. That's all there is to it.
Frank, with relief and calmness: No, no, man. I was saying that we should finalize an official contract. You know taxes and laws—everything needs to be in order.
John: We'll do whatever you want, but not today. I'm on holiday today. I'm going to the Capital with Maria and the kid.
Frank: The Capital? Why the Capital?
John: Hahaha! Man, there's a movie being screened in the theater, and I've had tickets for a week. Do you want to come?
Frank: Definitely, definitely! I'll come with you, along with my wife, Gina. We won't miss this chance.
John: So, you're coming with us just for the movie, right?
Frank: Of course, man. Just for the movie. Did you think it was for something else?
John: Ha! Okay, that's fine. Though we might need someone to watch over us; there's a lot of theft in the Capital these days, hahaha!
Frank: You know what? That coward provoked me; he made my hands shake with anger. Listen, you are my team's coach, but before that, John, you are my friend. I will spare no effort in dealing with your health situation. I was calling a friend of mine, and he told me he would prepare a special medical team. Next week, we'll start a new journey for your treatment.
John: This is great generosity from you. Thank you. Maria thanks you as well. He added, Hey, the movie is at seven in the evening.
Frank: We'll be at your place on time so we can head to the Capitol. I haven't visited it since our last match against their team. We were crushed, honestly. If you have any affection for me, John, I want you to defeat them. I don't care about anything else.
John: We'll see about that. We have important matches before we face them, so we'll deal with it when the time comes. Now, let me go; breakfast is ready.
Frank: Alright, goodbye.
John: Goodbye.
Fabio: I told you not to try. Those northerners are very stubborn; he will never change his mind. Now we must focus on one goal: sending their team to the graveyard. That is the goal. Despite their victory over the runner-up, it doesn't matter. We've pretty much secured our spot in the second division next season. Let's focus on securing that, and then we must make sure to support the teams that they face. If we succeed in burying their dream, then John will come here whether he likes it or not.
Can you believe it, Marc? Your team will become champions. Not just for this year's league—which you've already secured—and not just for the second division next season, but my friend, with John, you will be able to achieve the impossible. You'll achieve what you've dreamed of your whole life: playing in the Premier Division.
Marc: I know, I know, Fabio. But what can we do? Our hands are tied. Let's just hope their end comes quickly. Tell me, how many defeats do they need to go down?
Fabio: I think three or four defeats will be enough to say goodbye to Frank and his team, Marc.
Marc: I hope so, honestly. Listen, they're playing Racing FC next week. Tell me, is there anything we can do?
Fabio: Racing's coach is an old friend of mine. I'll call him; maybe I can meet him. He's a man who loves money. We'll see what I can do. Maybe he can help us achieve this goal.
Marc: Yes, try to call him, but be careful with this.
Fabio: Of course, don't worry. The important thing is that they won't succeed in achieving any victory in the future. Maybe they'll do it in the 'Graveyard of Teams,' hahaha!
Marc: Tell me about the team's state without a coach. How is Sally doing with the team?
Fabio: Honestly, Sally is a good man, but the team's ambition exceeds his abilities. He's finding difficulties with some players who think they're better than him—especially the team star, James. He told me the current coach's tactics are exhausting them. He added, He says the coach does nothing for the team; we are the ones who win.
Marc: That's clear. The players need a coach with charisma who is strong in the locker room. In our case, John fits us perfectly.
Fabio: Can you believe James told me John has returned to the pitch? Why didn't you bring him to the coach? Everyone respects and appreciates him. He's a star with a story and a background that gives you chills. We want him here. Do whatever it takes.
Marc: Right now, our hands are tied. We'll see what might happen in the future. Now, call your friend and do what you have to do.
Dad! Dad! There's a car at the door!
John: Huh? It looks like Frank and his wife are here. Maria, let's go. Frank has arrived. Come on, honey, hurry up a bit.
Maria: Just a moment, I'm coming.
I'm going with you!
John: Are we going to leave your grandmother alone in the house? She came specifically to see you. You'll stay at home with her. You're her protection, understood?
Yes, Dad. I will protect the house while you're gone.
John: Good. Tell me, who is the man of the house when I leave?
Mikey: I am, Dad. I'm the man of the house in your absence.
John went outside and found Frank and Gina had already arrived.
John: Hello, Gina. It is a great honor to meet the daughter of the Mayor in our humble home.
Gina: No, no, don't say that. It's an honor for me as well to meet you. Frank doesn't stop talking about you, especially on the day of the last match. Imagine, he didn't sleep the whole night, watching the news on his phone and following the reactions. He was honestly so happy. Oh, by the way, I'll take this opportunity—my father told me if I met you to tell you that he wants to see you in the future and wishes you luck in your mission with the city's team.
Maria: I'm here!
John: Come here, honey. This is Gina, Frank's wife and the Mayor's only daughter.
Maria: Hello, Gina. It's an honor for us.
Gina: Hello, Maria. It's an honor for me to meet you.
Frank: Shall we go? The movie is waiting.
John: Let's go. The showtime is approaching, and the road to the Capital is long.
They all got into the luxurious limousine and headed in a romantic atmosphere toward the Capital.