Chapter 2: Celebrating Victory

Wilt PoV

After the game, Wilt's parents drove him back. His big sister suggested they celebrate by eating out, but he was too tired. At this point, Wilt was fine with take out.

Wilt's little brother giggled as he played with his gold medal. "Is this real gold?"

Wilt chuckled and ruffled Argon's bright red hair. "'fraid not. It's mostly silver with a gold coating."

He hummed. "So still gold?"

Big sis crossed her arms as she smiled at Wilt. "So, little bro. Decided on what university you're attending yet?"

He crossed his arms too and laughed. "You're still trying to get me to enter your school, Sis?"

She chuckled nervously. "Well... Fine, you got me."

Wilt relaxed his arms. "I'll consider it."

She blinked. "You will? Even though we got a weak team?"

"Yeah, that's why you want me to join, right? To make Kellen University's team stronger."

His sister nodded. "Yeah. My boyfriend's managed to rebuild the team during the past two years, but they're still the lowest ranked school in the region."

Yosiah really was an impressive guy for doing all of that. Wilt remembered playing with him during his sophomore year in high school. He was a rather average player, but he had taught Wilt and the others the importance of teamwork during his tenure as team captain.

If not for Yosiah, he might've allowed the fame to get to his head.

After their light-hearted banter, the family decided on a local pizza joint for their celebratory dinner. With a few phone calls, they had a large pepperoni pizza, some garlic knots, and a couple of sodas on the way. 

Wilt found himself sprawling across the living room couch, his gold medal still hanging around his neck. It felt heavier than it looked, but it was a weight he wore with pride. His little brother, Argon, was attempting to lift it, his small hands struggling under the weight.

"Hey Wilt, can I wear it?" Argon asked, his eyes wide with excitement.

Chuckling, Wilt removed the medal and gently placed it around his brother's neck. "Just be careful with it, alright?"

Argon nodded vigorously, parading around the room with the medal hanging around his tiny frame. It was a comical sight, but one that made Wilt's heart swell with affection. 

His sister, meanwhile, had turned on the television. The news was filled with highlights from the game, and Wilt's face was all over the screen. They showed his game-winning three-pointer over and over, each time from a different angle. 

Wilt felt a strange combination of pride and embarrassment. He was just a teenager, but he was already a local celebrity. The thought was both thrilling and terrifying.

"Mom, do you think I'll be as good as Wilt when I grow up?" Argon asked, his voice filled with awe as he watched the replay of Wilt's winning shot.

Before their mom could answer, Wilt chimed in, "You'll be even better, Argon."

Argon's face lit up at his words, and Wilt couldn't help but laugh. It was a perfect family moment, one that would forever be etched in his mind.

As the night wore on, the family enjoyed their pizza and the replays of the game. Wilt found himself surrounded by the people he loved, celebrating a victory that was as much theirs as it was his. 

In that moment, Wilt realized that no matter where his basketball career took him, this was where he belonged.

He stood up and headed to his room. He still needed to bathe.

As Wilt ascended the stairs, he could hear the hushed whispers of his family discussing his future, their voices filled with pride and concern. It reminded him that he wasn't in this alone. He had their unwavering support, and it meant the world to him.

In his room, he peeled off his sweat-soaked jersey and tossed it into the laundry bin. His muscles ached from the exertion of the game, but it was a good kind of pain, a reminder of his triumph. He turned the shower on, letting the warm water run as he stared at his reflection in the mirror.

His face was the same, but the person looking back at him felt different. He was no longer just Wilt, the kid who loved basketball. He was Wilt, the star player, the most wanted university recruit, the young man with a promising future in the sport he loved.

As the steam filled the bathroom, Wilt stepped into the shower. The warm water felt soothing against his tired muscles, washing away the sweat and grime of the game. He leaned against the tiled wall, allowing himself a moment to just breathe.

In the solitude of the shower, his mind began to wander. He thought about his team, his family, and the recruiters waiting for his decision. His life was at a crossroads, and he had some serious thinking to do.

But for now, he allowed himself to just enjoy the moment. The victory, the joy of his family, and the pride in himself. He was living his dream, playing the sport he loved and being recognized for his talent.

Wilt laughed to himself. He truly was blessed.

He got out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist. A handsome smiling face greeted him in the mirror.

Wilt walked over to his closet. Hanging there were his jerseys, his school uniforms, and his casual wear. He ran his fingers over his old basketball uniforms. A wave of nostalgia washed over him.

He laughed. "I feel old."

He turned away from his old jerseys and chose a pair of comfortable sweatpants and a loose-fitting t-shirt. As he dressed, his mind wandered back to the game, the cheers of the crowd, the look of pride on his father's face, the joyous celebration with his team. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. It had been a good day.

He glanced at the clock. It was getting late. With a sigh, he turned off the lights and climbed into bed. The sheets were cool against his skin, a welcome contrast to the warmth he still felt from the shower.

As he lay in the darkness, the events of the day replayed in his mind. The victory, the celebration, the recruiters, the conversation with his sister... it was a lot to take in. But amidst it all, one thing was clear - he had a bright future ahead.

With a contented sigh, Wilt closed his eyes. He was tired, but it was a good kind of tired, the kind that came from giving his all and achieving his dreams.

Tomorrow, he would look into what school he wanted to go to. But tonight, he was just Wilt, the high school nationals champion. That was enough for him. He couldn't let himself get too greedy.