Legendary Football Superstar

The sun was just barely hanging on the horizon, giving the sky a dark blue tint with a hint of light. Night was taking its sweet time to roll in, like it was waiting for a big bash to kick off.

Strolling down the quiet street, the soft yellow streetlights glowed like lighthouses, guiding lost ships back to a safe harbor. It felt like they were drifting into a peaceful sleep in the gentle waves.

Logan's voice echoed in the distance as he said goodbye, "Bambi, see you tomorrow," before fading into the night. Luke parked his car, grabbed his backpack, and walked quickly up the path to the front door. The porch light flicked on, casting a warm, lazy glow that pushed back the darkness.

This was home.

Luke's heart raced with excitement. He burst through the door, looking around but seeing no one. His high spirits dipped a bit. "Mom? Mom!" He called out, searching for Annie. A voice came from the kitchen, "I'm in here."

Luke hurried to the kitchen, where Annie was busy making dinner. Even though she worked every day, she always cooked when she didn't have to work late. It started as a way to save money but became a habit.

"Wash your hands. I'm almost done with the last dish, and then we can eat," Annie said without turning around. "There's soup in the pot. Serve yourself a bowl. I got some supplements after work. You sprained your ankle during training, right? Drink some to help you recover."

Luke chuckled at her nagging, "Mom, I need to tell you something. Stop for a second. Where's Dad?"

"Tell me at dinner," Annie said, not paying attention. "Isn't your dad in the study? Call him out. It's already eight, and if you drag this out, you'll sleep late again. You have training tomorrow."

"Mom, Mom!" Luke grabbed Annie's shoulders, turned her around, and turned off the stove. "Mom, just one minute. Dinner can wait." He pushed her out of the kitchen and into the living room, shouting, "Dad, come here, quick! I have something to say."

Jack rushed out, "Luke, why didn't the Colts give you a tryout? Peyton Manning is out for the season, and their backups aren't great..." Clearly, Jack had been analyzing the league's situation, trying to find opportunities for Luke.

"Dad." Luke seated Annie and Jack. "Listen to me."

"Didn't you say it was time to eat?" Jack looked at Annie, who pointed at Luke, "It's your son."

Jack nodded, "Luke, maybe you should email the coach about the Colts? They're the experts, but I saw on ESPN..."

"Dad, I'm not going to the Colts." Luke cut to the chase, seeing Jack's puzzled look. "I'm staying with the San Francisco 49ers."

Jack and Annie were stunned. They didn't get it at first, so Luke repeated, "I'm staying with the San Francisco 49ers. The tryout ended today, and I made it."

"You mean, you're now a member of the San Francisco 49ers?" Jack finally got it. Seeing Luke nod, Jack blinked, stunned. The joy hit him so fast he couldn't process it.

Luke pulled out the contract from his backpack and placed it on the coffee table. "Look, this is the rookie contract they offered me. It's a two-year deal. The lawyer checked it out, and it's good. Tomorrow, I'll go for a physical, and if I pass, I can sign it." Jack picked up the contract and started reading it carefully.

Annie looked around, flustered. "This is great news." She seemed lost, then stood up. "We should have a cake. Why didn't we prepare a cake? We didn't make anything special tonight, and I forgot to go to the store. This is worth celebrating. I'll go next door and see if they have any good ingredients. We should make a feast."

Annie stood there, looking lost and mumbling to herself. After a moment, she seemed to make up her mind and started walking. But instead of heading to the door, she wandered towards the backyard, completely disoriented.

Luke quickly grabbed her, "Mom, it's okay. We're about to have dinner, right? No need to go through all that trouble. Plus, I have a physical tomorrow, so I can't just eat anything."

Annie looked at Luke, her eyes filling with tears. "Good job, you finally did it." Tears started streaming down her face, and she couldn't say another word. She just stood there, letting the tears flow. "Luke, you did it."

Seeing his mom's tear-streaked face, Luke felt a lump in his throat, but he smiled and hugged her. "Yeah, I did it." That simple sentence made Annie burst into sobs.

Thirteen years. It had been a long, tough journey, but now a new chapter was finally beginning.

After Annie had let out her emotions, she calmed down a bit, looked up at Luke, and suddenly remembered, "Wait, you can't drink that soup. Supplements often don't pass drug tests. We haven't checked it, and it hasn't been approved by the team doctor. You can't drink it. I'll make a new meat soup according to your old coach's recipe. Don't worry, it won't take long."

Chattering away, Annie's emotions finally settled, and a smile spread across her face. She walked briskly towards the kitchen.

Watching her leave, Luke chuckled to himself. She had just said she was going next door for ingredients, and now she had forgotten.noveldrama

Turning back, Luke looked at Jack, who had been silent, and sat down on the sofa across from him. "Dad, what's wrong? Haven't you always wanted me to join the San Francisco 49ers? Now that I finally have, why don't you seem happy?"

Jack put down the contract and looked up at Luke.

As a fan, he was thrilled for Luke. The long struggle had finally paid off. But as a father, he knew the real challenge was just beginning.

"Luke, this journey has been incredibly tough, but the real hardship is just starting. The road ahead might be ten times, a hundred times harder than before. Are you ready?" Jack asked earnestly.

Luke didn't speak, just met Jack's gaze with calm and courage. Words were unnecessary; his actions, discipline, hard work, and effort over the years were proof enough. Luke would never give up easily. He was a warrior.

Jack understood Luke's look, broke into a big smile, and nodded vigorously.

"Remember, your mom and I will always be your biggest fans! Keep it up! We can't wait

to see you shine at Candlestick Park. We'll be there to cheer you on!"

With that, Jack pumped his fist, "Go, 49ers!" His joy finally overflowed, and he patted Luke's shoulder heavily. Countless mixed words remained unsaid, and he just let out a long breath, sighing, "Our family has a 49er now!"

Jack turned his attention back to the contract, starting to read it again.

Luke quietly watched Jack. The gray hair at his temples, the wrinkles on his face, the once towering figure now a bit hunched. His eyes, filled with joy, reflected the glistening light as he lowered his head, clumsily hiding his emotions.

This was his father and mother, his home, his warm harbor, his eternal support, cheering him on his path to his dreams. From today, he would gradually take on this burden, supporting the weight of the entire family.

"Dad, I met with the union lawyer today. He made a lot of notes, saying these parts need attention. You can take a look." Luke sat next to Jack, and the father and son began to study the contract together.

But it wasn't long before Annie's voice came again, "You two, come eat. You can study

it after dinner; there will be plenty of opportunities later. No need to rush. Doesn't Luke

have to get up early for the physical tomorrow? Did the coach mention any precautions? Should your dad or I take the day off to go with you?"

"Luke drove to Los Angeles for college all by himself, what are you still worried about?" Jack's steady voice came through.

Under the dim light, it was just trivial family matters, but it revealed a warm happiness.