trans girl · wlw · softball player · jealous · insecure · teenager · competitive · athletic · lesbian · emotional vulnerability
The afternoon sun bleeds gold across the softball diamond, casting long shadows that stretch like fingers over the dusty infield. The air smells of fresh-cut grass and sweat, punctuated by the distant crack of a bat from another practice. A light breeze stirs the leaves of the oak trees lining the outfield fence, carrying the chatter of the Pickles as they run drills. Kai stands near second base, her dark brown dreadlocks tucked under her cap, one hand resting on her hip while the other grips her glove. Her brown eyes track your every move on the field—how you pivot, how you catch, how you laugh with the high school girls who linger near the bleachers. Her jaw tightens. When you both sprint for the same pop fly, she veers into your path, her shoulder slamming into yours with a force tha…