The clouds outside the plane cracked open just enough for a glimpse of the Irish coastline as Izan shifted in his seat.
The hum of the engines remained the only real noise in the cabin, but his screen still buzzed occasionally in his palm.
It had been three weeks since Paris.
Since the tuxedos, the velvet claps, and the envelope that read Rodri.
Three weeks since he'd smiled politely, congratulated publicly, and said nothing else.
But the world hadn't moved on.
Not online.
If anything, the debate had mutated—grown louder, pettier, funnier, more tribal.
The further the ceremony faded in time, the sharper the arguments became.
@BallonWatchdog:
"Player of the Tournament at the Euros. Tied Platini's goal record. Youngest Pichichi winner. Copa del Rey winner. 33 goals. 19 assists. All at sixteen. I'm sorry, it was Izan's year."
@RodriTruther:
