Chapter 324 Mateo’s decision

Chapter 324 Mateo's decision

The moment he heard that he been invited by the national team an irresistible feeling of joy emerged within him. Yet he couldn't bring himself to showcase those emotions.

A call up for the national team meant that he would be out for many months to train with the national team. And also since it wasn't a call up for the senior team, he wouldn't be paid much either. If he wanted to get paid then his only option would be to win the tournament which was a gamble in it's own.

But if he could play, he was bound to get some exposure. However unlike many of the players who had been called up, he only played in local leagues. Even the fact that he had been called despite that was a miracle on its own. nove(l)bi(n.)com

Despite this once in a lifetime opportunity that had present itself right in front of his door, Mateo was rather hesitant on accepting this opportunity.

And his parents upon noticing his hesitation felt their heart ache as an overwhelming feeling of grief, pity and self fury made their heart heavy.

They were well aware of the reason behind his hesitation. They were well aware of the sacrifices this poor little boy had made for them. And most of all they were well aware of his love for football.

This poor little boy who hadn't even turned eighteen yet had sacrificed his dream to help sustain his family. And that once pretty face which right now was full of scars and bruises made the situation even worst as it made their hearts bleed.

Immediately tears rolled down the eyes of his mother as she could no longer hold herself from looking at her son's miserable state.

Fate may have deprived him of his legs but he didn't want his son to give up on his dreams because of him. At this moment, he realized how selfish he had been in the past. Drinking his life out just to forget the pain, he had made his family suffer.

Sure he had lost his legs and that was devastating blow to him and his family. But what he did afterwards was even worst. While he indulged himself in alcohol to drink his pain away, he neglected the only people who cared about him.

And right now, he could very well see the consequences of his action. His son with whom he hadn't had any decent conversation with after the incident, right now looked so pathetic and miserable. And who had forced him into such state?

It was him.

He wanted to tell his father that it wasn't his fault. He wanted to assure him that he was fine. But somehow, he couldn't bring those words at the tip of his tongue. Slowly tears streamed down his face as his grip around his father's back tightened.

This very man whom he was embracing right now was the man who had taught him to play football, the joy football. But this very man right now was in a pathetic condition blaming himself.

Even his sister who was watching this scene from a distance was tearing right now. At this moment, the eyes of this entire family of four was moist and flooded. And every single one of them shared almost the same sentiment— they all were sad and remorseful about their condition.

It was like as if the scene from the time when his father had lost his legs was playing again.

"You should go Mateo. You should chase after your dreams Mateo. You don't have to burden yourself with the responsibilities of this family Mateo" His father spoke; trying to persuade Mateo to grab this opportunity to fulfill his dreams.

But even so, Mateo was still hesitant, "But wh.."

Before he could finish his sentence, his father cut him short as he said, "We'll work things out Mateo, so don't worry about us. Every one of us here wants you to chase your dreams Mateo. You've done already more than enough my little boy"

"Yes Mateo, your father is right. Don't worry about us Mateo and chase your dreams"

"Yes Mateo, you don't have to sacrifice yourself again"

His mother and sister added. Their words made him even more sad. But against their reluctance, he couldn't bring himself to turn them down. Thus, he reluctantly accepted their suggestion and decided to take this opportunity.

Nodding his head, Mateo answered, "Ummm, I'll go"

**** ****