Chapter Three: The Discarded

Eli wanted to dribble. Instead, he controlled with one and crossed with two. The left winger slid in at the far post. 1–2. Old Dock ignited like an engine rusted silent for years. More than 2,700 people stamped their feet. Steel beams shook. In the sixty-eighth minute, Danny stood at the touchline. Confusion became recognition. The Greyport-born prodigy who had once reached national sports pages still had a name here. “Danny! Danny! Danny!” His first sprint was late. He lost his first header and knelt for two seconds, holding the right knee. Lin reached him. “Can you continue?” “A bit late to ask.” “If you can't, leave.” The old fire returned to Danny's eyes. “Put the ball where it belongs.”