Laurie burst into the locker room, nearly tripping over her own feet. Late, late, late! She yanked open her locker, fumbling with her jersey as she muttered a quick, “Sorry, God, please don’t let Coach be mad.” She made a quick prayer, then jammed her cap onto her head, her bangs puffing out like a messy blonde cloud. Ugh, should’ve brushed them.

No time to fix them now.

She sprinted onto the field, breathless, stomach twisting. The team was already warming up. She grabbed a ball, hands clammy. Please, God, just let me throw one good pitch today.