Sentimental offside

the biting chill of early autumn-there was something else, something invisible but tangible, that clung to the streets and bui

ustling multicultural neighborhoods, for this city she barely knew. Belgrade was supposed to be a fresh start, a new chapter for her basketball career-and maybe for her life. But

sm as he loaded her bags into the trunk. His eyes avoided he

a small smile

ace frozen between past and present, where memories of a bruta

eir concrete faces stained by years of neglect. Shops had old signs in Cyrillic, and the few pedestrians they passed walked with heavy steps an

her pocket. A mess

Mila. This is

just here to play basketball; she was here to prove herself to a city that seemed unwilling to welcome

ould live, a small sanctuary far from the basketball arena she was about to enter. Th

erlooking a narrow street below. Mila set down her suitcase and took a m

erbian, the rumble of a tram, the faint melody of an accordion playi

ed soccer with a worn-out ball, their laughter breaking through the grayn

s time it was a message fr

lcome. You're not here

idn't surprise her. She knew that joining the Re

the training center, her heart pounding with nerves and anticipation. The team's building was old but

ent except for the shuffle of shoes and quiet whispers. Mila's en

rossed, her sharp eyes fixed on her wi

f to stand tall. T

tone. His voice was short and commanding as he ran drills and barked instructions. Mila tried to keep up, but the

tactical session, Marko's sharp reb

e barked in broken Eng

e her. She had left everything behind to be here-to p

r, speaking in hushed Serbian. Lana would occasionall

the dim lights. She wiped sweat from her forehead and tried

y the door, watching her. His eyes were unreadable-stern b

"You have fire. But fire with

ed by the rare complime

rn," she re

d once and

nd the faint scent of roasting chestnuts filled the air. She passed a small café where an old man was pla

all career so far: bruised, misunderstood, and f

city, this team, this challenge-they wo

pe began to flicker-a hope that maybe,

f Cha

________