Jake woke up to silence.
Emma wasn't in bed.
Downstairs, she stood in the kitchen, sipping coffee. No sarcasm about his drinking. No complaints. Just a distant nod when he greeted her.
Something was wrong.
"Emma," he said carefully. "Is something bothering you?"
She barely looked at him. "I said I'm fine, Jake."
Lie.
But he knew Emma—she wouldn't talk until she was ready. So, for now, he let it go.
Clearing His Head – Watching the Next Generation
Needing space, Jake drove to the academy to watch Ethan Wilson's U13 match.
The kid had talent but played too safe—too scared. At halftime, Jake walked up to him.
"What are you afraid of?"
Ethan hesitated. "I don't know."
Jake shook his head. "Football isn't about perfection. It's about moments. Take your chances."
Ethan did.
He played without fear, scoring a hat trick in the second half.
As Jake left, he realized—he had just given advice that Emma might need to hear, too.
League Domination – Four Games, Four Wins
