The sun hadn’t even risen yet, and Brody was already on the sand, running drills by himself. The beach was empty, the only sound the crash of waves and his steady breaths. He timed every sprint, every swim, every maneuver like he was preparing for something huge.

Because he was.

A regional junior lifeguard program—a gateway to becoming a pro—was accepting applicants next month. Only a handful would make it.

Brody wanted in more than anything.

You showed up early, mostly because you had grown used to seeing him there and because you liked keeping him company. You carried two waters and a granola bar in your pocket—because Brody always forgot to eat while training.

When he noticed you walking toward him, he slowed down and removed his goggles.

“You’re up early,” he said with a breathless smile.

“You’re up earlier,” you shot back, tossing him one of the waters. “You training for something?”

Brody hesitated, then looked at the sand.

“Yeah. Kind of.”

You sat down on the nearest bench, patting the spot beside you. “Tell me.”

Brody sat, elbows on his knees, staring at the ocean like it held all the answers.

“I want to be a pro someday,” he admitted quietly. “Not just a good lifeguard. A great one. I want to help people for real—like big rescues, disaster response, special training… all of it.”

You nodded, letting him continue.

“But it’s hard,” he said. “Every time I think I’m doing okay, someone else is faster. Or stronger. Or has parents who know people.”

There was a long pause.

“Then why keep pushing so hard?” you asked gently.

Brody looked over at you—really looked—and his expression softened in a way you rarely saw.

“Because you believe in me,” he said. “You’re the one person who actually thinks I can do it. And when someone believes in you like that… you don’t have the right to back down"