[Monday, 3rd January 2024]
By the time Leo had managed to explain what had happened in Milan, from the decision to leave for the airport to his eventual arrival at Vittoria's family event, the call had gone on for several minutes.
Dawson listened without interrupting much, though there were a few moments when Leo could hear him sigh on the other end.
"Look, Leo," Dawson eventually said, his voice settling into a disappointed tone.
"I know there's a life outside football. I'm not going to tell you that you should spend every waking hour thinking about training or your next match.
You're eighteen. You're allowed to have a life, and if there's someone you want to spend time with, that's your business."
Leo leaned against the wall beside his bedroom door and listened.
"But you've got to make sure it doesn't start affecting your football. You played a game, flew to another country, stayed out half the night and then had to get yourself back here.
