The first week of Leo's two-week deadline passed in a blur of phone calls, sleepless nights, and endless what-ifs.
He talked to his wife first. She sat across from him at the kitchen table, her hands wrapped around a coffee mug, her eyes tired. “You've been coaching at Westbrook for over a decade. You've built something incredible. But you've also done everything you can here.”
“That's not true,” Leo said. “There's always more to do.”
“Is there? Or are you just afraid of letting go?”
Leo didn't answer. Because she was right.
He talked to Mateo next. They sat in Leo's office, the door closed, the banners watching from the walls.
“If you go, we'll survive,” Mateo said. “Javier is ready. The program is strong. You've built a machine.”
“Machines break down.”
“Not this one. Not with wha
