More Than a Game

The Homecoming – A Family Affair

After days of media chaos, parades, and non-stop interviews, Skye finally had a moment to breathe.

Her family had arranged a private celebration for her just close friends and family. No cameras, no reporters, just home.

The moment she walked into the house, her mom pulled her into a tight hug.

Mom (tearing up): "I'm so proud of you, baby."

Skye exhaled deeply, finally feeling like she could let her guard down.

Then

Her dad clapped her on the back.

Dad: "Not bad, champ. But let's talk about that yellow card in the final."

Skye groaned.

Skye: "Seriously? I just won the damn World Cup."

Dad (grinning): "And almost got sent off while doing it."

Paige snickered from the couch.

Paige: "He's got a point."

Skye rolled her eyes, but before she could respond

Her little brother ran into her full speed.

Liam: "YOU WON THE WORLD CUP!!"

Skye picked him up, spinning him around.

Skye: "Damn right I did."

Liam's eyes were huge.

Liam: "Can I touch the trophy?"

Skye smirked.

Skye: "Only if you say I'm the coolest person you know."

Liam sighed dramatically.

Liam: "Fine. You're cooler than Paige."

Paige gasped.

Paige: "EXCUSE ME?"

Skye cackled, handing Liam the trophy while Paige fake-fumed.

Paige: "I was your hero first, you little traitor."

Liam just shrugged, too busy admiring the trophy.

Skye turned, feeling a warm squeeze on her arm Nika was standing beside her, giving her a small, proud smile.

Nika: "You did it."

Skye (grinning): "Of course I did."

And just like that, for the first time in weeks, everything felt... normal.

The Overwhelming Reality – A Late-Night Spiral

Later that night, after the celebration calmed down, Skye found herself alone in her childhood bedroom.

She stared up at the ceiling, phone in hand, her thoughts running wild.

She should've been on top of the world but instead, she felt overwhelmed as hell.

The fame, the pressure, the expectations it was a lot.

Her fingers hovered over her screen before she did something completely reckless.

She texted Alexia

Skye: I feel like my brain is short-circuiting.

Alexia: Wow. Didn't know you had a brain to short-circuit.

Skye snorted.

Skye: Rude. Here I am, having an emotional crisis, and you're clowning me.

Alexia: Should I say "oh no, pobre niña" and comfort you?

Skye: Yes. 😌

Alexia: Not happening.

Skye grinned, tension easing just from their dumb banter.

Skye: I met my whole family today. It was nice but also... weird? Like, they were all just looking at me like I was some legend now. It freaked me out a little.

Alexia: Because you are a legend now.

Skye: I'm still just me.

Alexia: That's the part they're proud of. Not just the football. You, Skye.

Skye stared at the screen, heart clenching.

Damn.

Skye: Stop being wise, I like it better when you roast me.

Alexia: Don't worry. It won't happen often.

Skye: Good. Anyway, Spain took the L, but I'm sure you'll recover. Probably. Eventually.

Alexia: You're insufferable.

Skye: And yet, here you are, still talking to me.

Alexia: Unfortunately.

Skye smirked.

Skye: You love it.

No response for a moment.

Then

Alexia: Go to sleep, campeona.

Skye (smirking to herself): Yes, ma'am.

And just like that, her night didn't feel so overwhelming anymore.

The Road Ahead – More Chaos to Come

As Skye put her phone down, she exhaled deeply, finally allowing herself to relax.

Tomorrow, everything would go back to normal or, well, as normal as life could be for a World Cup-winning, international football superstar.

But for now?

For now, she was just Skye Bueckers.

And that was enough.