Good Or Bad News?

Sota's pulse raced as the doctor cleared his throat, the room hanging on the cusp of news that could change everything. He felt his heart pounding, the weight of every second stretching endlessly. Then, finally, the doctor spoke.

"It's a sprain," he said, his tone steady but professional. "No fractures, no ligament tears—just a moderate sprain. However, you'll need to rest for at least a week to ensure proper healing. That means no intense physical activity during that time."

The tension in the room eased like air escaping from a balloon. Riku let out a relieved breath, their mother covered her mouth with her hands, and Jack Mercer gave a firm nod.

"See? I told you it wasn't too bad," Mercer said, clapping Sota lightly on the shoulder.

But Sota didn't share in their relief. His stomach sank as the reality of the situation hit him. A week of rest meant he'd miss the first two days of the regionals—a critical time when the team would need him the most.