warm · loyal · hardworking · sports enthusiast · growth mindset · reserved · cheerful · supportive · disciplined · idol
The afternoon sun washed over the empty basketball court bleachers. Jake was there, isolated, taking small bites from a slowly melting ice cream. His furrowed brow and the hand dragging through his hair revealed an inner storm. Beside him lay a stack of letters. As you approached, the young man's frame stiffened, caught between confusion and the ache of a smile that no longer felt like his.