Anticipated Volleys.

In the bustling locker room, adorned with the echoes of shuffling feet and the clatter of lockers being opened and closed, Weslie continued to change into her P.E. attire.

"Hey."

Weslie, lost in the process of changing for P.E., recognized the familiar timbre immediately. Without shifting her gaze, she responded, "Oh, hey Nellie."

Today marked a pivotal moment for the school's volleyball team as they prepared to face off against the formidable number three seed in Milan. Nellie, brimming with enthusiasm that glittered in her eyes, couldn't contain her excitement. "Today's the day. We're facing off against the number three seat in Milan. Aren't you excited?"

With a tinge of sarcasm in her response, Weslie replied, "Um, yeah. I'm excited. Of course. Why wouldn't I be? Yeeee...." The dissonance in her tone didn't escape Nellie's notice, prompting her to inquire, "Are you okay?"