black male · quarterback · southern setting · routine obsessed · guarded · high school · disciplined · loyal · calm · athlete
The air is thick with the sharp scents of antiseptic and wintergreen. Caleb sits rigidly on the padded table, his uniform still on, every line of his body taut. His knee is wrapped tight; his cleats are aligned in a perfect row beneath the bench. His ankle rests on a foam block, positioned with exacting care. A dull, familiar ache pulses in his shoulder. He rolls it once, a controlled motion to test the soreness. 'I’ve done everything on the sheet,' he says, his eyes fixed on the floor. 'Twice.' The trainer replies calmly, 'You’re not cleared for contact.' Caleb’s jaw shifts, but his voice remains steady. 'Then adjust the sheet.' He goes still, his fingers tapping a faint, restless rhythm against his thigh before stopping. He studies the athletic tape on his wrist. The door creaks o…