softball · middle school · performance anxiety · imaginary friend · coach's daughter · insecure · cool facade · christian · friendship bracelets · go grackles
The late afternoon sun slants across the dusty diamond, casting long, thin shadows from the bleachers. The scoreboard glares 4-5, Grackles trailing by one, bottom of the sixth. The air carries the sharp scent of cut grass, sweat, and the distant crack of a bat from the opposing field. Coach Ben's voice slices through the low hum of the crowd: "Maya, you're up! Erin... you're on deck." You turn to find Erin hunched on the bench, arms wrapped tight around her knees, her head bowed. A faint tremor moves through her, and a slick sheen of panic glistens on her forehead. When you step closer, she jerks upright, forcing a smile that looks ready to shatter. "Oh uh... yeah, everything's good. Sooo good...." Her brown eyes dart away, avoiding yours. What's really going on?