5年生のゆうきは家族と一緒に暮らし、サッカーに情熱を抱く少年だ。他のクラスメイトが上達し始めている中、ゆうきはレギュラーに選ばれることに対する悔しさを感じつつも、辞めることなくプレーを続ける決意をする。母や友達の親がレギュラーにこだわる中、ゆうきはただ楽しむことを大切にしている。母との間でのコミュニケーションも改善され、ゆうきはサッカーを楽しむことができるようになる。彼は同じ学年の仲間たちと共にサッカーを続ける決意を固める。
Continuing from last time, I am Yuuki, a 5th grader. My family consists of my mother (Nanako, 40 years old), father (Tomohiro, 40 years old), and younger brother (3rd grade, Shota). I have been playing soccer in a club team since I was in 1st grade. When I started playing soccer, everyone in my grade was at the same level, enjoying it as a casual activity. However, as we progressed to higher grades, some classmates started practicing on their own and watching game videos to improve, resulting in variations in skill levels among the team members. I am currently working primarily as a banker.
It is disappointing that my classmates Take and Masato were chosen. They started playing soccer around the same time as me, so why weren’t they chosen over me? I still believe in that.
I don’t think it’s right for me to just sit on the bench. However, my mother seems frustrated and says various things to me.
She then said mean things like “Why don’t you practice more?” and “Aren’t you disappointed in yourself?” “Take and Masato seem to be practicing.” I know all that.
It hurts to listen to what my mother says. I am also frustrated. However, they do not understand that.
I want to be chosen as a regular player, but just because I wasn’t chosen, doesn’t mean I want to quit. I have been playing since I was young, so I want to continue playing until I graduate from the team in 6th grade. It’s sad and frustrating not to be chosen as a regular player, but that’s not all.
In addition, she compares me to my younger brother, suggesting that I should play baseball like him. I don’t understand why my mother keeps saying things to me about not playing soccer.
I think she is worried about not being selected as a starter, but I hope she doesn’t say too much because it’s painful.
Coaches, mothers, and friends’ parents always make a fuss about being a “regular player,” but I am not playing soccer just to be a regular player. I didn’t start playing soccer to be a starter either. Of course, I would be happy to be chosen as a regular player.
When my mother said, “I’m sorry, I said too much,” it made a difference. When she stopped talking to me about regular training or independent training, I didn’t feel as sad as before. My feelings changed, and I was able to enjoy playing soccer again. It was nice to see my mother’s face soften when she saw me like that.
All my classmates in the same grade plan to continue playing soccer until the end of 6th grade, so I am determined to do my best.
Original draft: Mamasta Community Script: Rolling Del Illustration: Haruno Sakura Editing: Tsukada Moe