Several days have passed since Vitor began his new life. During this time, he has gradually recovered from his injuries, and the routine at home is starting to settle. The woman he now calls mother continues to be a comforting presence, doing her best to make Vitor feel at home despite the confusion of his new reality. He also notices that, despite being an only child, his father is frequently absent due to work. From what he understands, his father works for a foreign company and travels abroad many times a year, which leaves Vitor and his mother alone most of the time.
As he spends his days exploring the house and adjusting, Vitor decides to take a closer look at the documents his mother keeps. In a moment of curiosity, he sneaks around and finds the birth certificate hidden among important papers. With the information in hand, he discovers that his full name is Vitor Mancini Silva, born on June 30, 2003.
This gives Vitor a new perspective on his situation. "If I'm 10 years old and born in 2003, it means I'm still in 2013, the same year I died," he thinks, which explains why nothing significant seems to have changed in the world.
The discovery of the surname Mancini also leads him to an interesting reflection. "Mancini doesn't sound very Brazilian," he thinks. "My grandparents or great-grandparents were probably Italian." Vitor knows that European immigration to Brazil was quite significant, with millions of Europeans arriving in the country about 100 years ago, most of them starting their lives over in the state of São Paulo. The presence of a European surname is not unusual and helps explain the distinctive appearance he has.
To distract himself, Vitor spends some time watching television. On one of the channels, a Real Madrid game is being broadcast, and Vitor finds himself mesmerized by the talent and skill of the players. As he watches, his eyes are drawn to Kaká, the Brazilian midfielder on the field, which unfortunately was no longer at his peak. Observing the player, Vitor notices some intriguing similarities. Kaká, like him, is Italian-Brazilian, has light skin, and a striking appearance. Additionally, he comes from a middle-class family, which seems to match his own situation.
"This is interesting," Vitor thinks, as he analyzes the resemblance between himself and Kaká.
The football match continues on TV, and his mother enters the room, noticing her son's focused gaze. A faint smile appears on her lips as she approaches.
"You've always loved football," she comments, sitting down beside him.
Vitor glances away from the screen for a moment and looks at her. "Even now, I love it. Can I play football, Mom?" He asks with a mix of anxiety and hope.
She gives a loving, but hesitant smile. "Of course, but only when you've fully recovered and the doctor says you can start playing again."
She pauses for a moment, as if choosing her words carefully. "You've always dreamed of becoming a player, and I've always supported you, son."
Vitor feels a wave of determination and comfort hearing this. "My dream continues, Mom. I'm sure I'll make it."
She laughs softly, but there's a shadow of worry in her eyes. "Just promise you won't be reckless and get seriously hurt, okay?" Her voice trembles slightly as she continues, "After you had that accident at home while playing, I've been very concerned about your health, son. You had a severe head injury and spent a week in the hospital unconscious before waking up and coming back home, and I found you again."
Vitor feels the weight of her words and the pain she has carried during this time. He looks into her eyes, determined. "That won't happen again, Mom," he promises, with sincerity and conviction in his voice.
Weeks pass, and Vitor finally returns to school. He finds himself back in the school environment, but to his surprise, nothing special happens there. In fact, he finds the experience quite boring and tiring. Dealing with other 10-year-olds isn't exactly what he expected, especially considering he has the mind of an adult.
The classes are repetitive, and his classmates' conversations revolve around things that no longer interest him. Still, Vitor remains determined, enduring the long hours in the classroom, hoping something more exciting will happen in his new life.
Then, one day, his mother takes him to a check-up with the doctor who has been monitoring his recovery. To Vitor's delight, the doctor, after reviewing his tests, confirms that he is recovering impressively. The boy has healed quickly, and the doctor finally gives permission for him to return to playing football.
This news is like a burst of energy for Vitor. He can't wait to feel the field beneath his feet again, even if it's just in a futsal court at school. When the day finally arrives, he is more than ready.
The school football game starts off calmly, with the children spreading out on the futsal court and dividing into two teams of five. Vitor, now fully engaged in the game, feels a familiar excitement growing inside him. The whistle blows, and the ball starts rolling.
From the start, Vitor realizes that playing with 10-year-olds is a completely different experience. His opponents are inexperienced, their movements predictable, and to him, everything seems to happen in slow motion. Every dribble, every pass, and even the shots on goal come with an almost disheartening ease. He dribbles past the other kids with a skill that is, to them, almost unbelievable.
But as he moves across the court, something catches his attention. His new body responds spectacularly to every movement. The light, agile legs allow him to move quickly from one end of the court to the other, with a speed and fluidity he isn't used to feeling. He moves with a precision that surprises even himself, as if his body has been sculpted for football.
Dominating the game against the other kids is easy, but Vitor knows this is just the beginning. He doesn't let himself be deceived by the ease with which he surpasses his peers. The real challenge is out there, against more experienced, stronger, and faster opponents. But, at this moment, he sees the tremendous potential he now possesses.
As he dribbles past another opponent and prepares to shoot at goal, Vitor thinks about how much potential he now has for football. This body, with all its youth and vigor, could take him to places he never reached in his previous life. And as he scores another goal, he can't help but smile, realizing that with dedication and hard work, he can finally achieve his dream of becoming a professional football player.
The game continues, and Vitor enjoys every moment, scoring several goals, exploring the capabilities of his new body, testing his limits, and mentally preparing for the future that awaits him.