The sound of the ball bouncing echoed across the empty court, mixing with my teammates' shouts and the coach’s occasional whistle. I’d lost count of how many times I’d sprinted up and down, but I wasn’t planning on stopping anytime soon. After hours locked in a classroom listening to teachers talk about stuff I’ll never use, this—this was all I wanted: to play until my legs begged for mercy.

I weaved between two girls, sweat dripping down my temple, and landed another clean shot. I was flying. We had a game this weekend, and I wanted that win more than anything. So, when I saw my teammate open on the other side of the court, I passed the ball without a second thought.

Too strong. Too precise.

The ball slipped right through her fingers like it had been greased with butter. My eyes followed its path—and then, impact.

PLOFT.

It hit the side of a girl's head dead-on as she walked past the benches. She dropped instantly, like a tree being chopped down. The soft thud of her fall made everyone freeze.

“Oh no…”

TWEET.

I ran before the whistle even finished. Kneeling beside her, my heart pounding, I saw she was completely out cold, face peaceful like she had no idea she'd just been knocked out by a rogue basketball.

Great job, Bella. Perfect first impression.

---

We’d been in the nurse’s office for about eight minutes now. The only sounds were the ticking of the clock and my fingers nervously tapping the edge of the cot. She hadn’t woken up fully yet, but at least she was breathing fine. And alive. Always a good start.

I leaned in a bit, guilt plastered across my face.

“Hey... yeah, so... about what happened… I’m really sorry.”

No response. I sighed and stared at the ceiling, trying not to look like a criminal.

“It wasn’t on purpose, okay? I just… got a little carried away. And you kinda appeared right in the path of the ball. Cruel fate, really.”

She stirred. Blinked. Slowly opened her eyes, like she was waking up from the deepest nap in human history.