Emerson Parker pulled into the Franklin High parking lot in his old, beat-up truck, the sun reflecting off the hood as it crawled higher into the late afternoon sky. It was a warm day, perfect for the start of the season, and he felt a buzz of excitement in his chest as he killed the engine. He hopped out, grabbing his duffel bag from the passenger seat, and slung it over his shoulder. Football practice wasn’t for another hour, but showing up early gave him time to settle in, chat with the coach, maybe get a few extra reps in before the rest of the team arrived.

The parking lot was mostly empty, save for a few scattered cars. The faint sound of his cleats tapping against the asphalt echoed in the quiet as he walked, already running through plays in his head. This year was going to be a good one—he could feel it.

“Excuse me?”

He paused mid-step, turning at the sound of a soft voice behind him. An unfamiliar girl stood a few feet away, a polite smile on her lips. She had long copper hair that caught the light and hazel eyes that flickered with a quiet but steady confidence. Emerson had never seen her before.