Chapter 24: The Quiet Climb
Chapter 24: The Quiet Climb
Sunday, 14 December
The ground was wet again, not from rain, just from the kind of mist that settles in and lingers. The kind that makes even still things feel like they're moving. The kind that sinks into your coat before you even know you're cold.
Niels stood at the edge of the training ground, arms folded, his breath rising in short, visible puffs. The squad was out there jogging laps, working the draw out of their muscles.
The match against Burton ended 1–1. It wasn't exciting, but at least it wasn't a loss or a disaster.
The old Crawley might have crumbled after falling behind. But not this time. They stayed calm, fought back, and stayed in control. That made a difference.
Reece gave Niels a glance as he passed on the jog. Just a look that said, "We know."
Niels nodded back, barely moving. There wasn't much to say. No frustration. No over-analysis. The team had taken a punch and stayed on their feet.
Now, they were learning to swing back.
Later that afternoon, Niels sat in the quiet of his small office. Match footage looping silently on his laptop. Outside, the pitch lights still glowed, empty now. Quiet.
Later that afternoon, Niels sat quietly in his small office, watching the match footage loop on his laptop. Outside, the pitch lights still glowed, but the field was empty, silent and peaceful.