miranbajrami59

"The Light Between Us"
In a town full of memories, the past is never really gone.

When 15-year-old Ryan Whitmore moves to Rosehill with his mom, he’s not just starting over—he’s running from everything he used to be. But small towns have long shadows, and Ryan quickly finds himself caught in something bigger than he expected. A girl who feels too familiar. A team he wasn’t supposed to lead. A truth that could ruin everything.

Between cheerleading tryouts, basketball tournaments, and late-night talks under the stars, Ryan, Anna, Ben, and Savannah are just trying to figure it all out. But secrets have a way of showing up—especially when you're finally starting to feel at home.

Basketball isn’t just a game here.
It’s where friendships are tested, futures are shaped, and second chances are earned.

THe Light Between us

The smell of fresh paint still lingered in the air as Ryan pushed open the door to the café. Sunlight streamed through the big front windows, casting long shadows over the polished counter and empty tables. It still didn't feel quite real—that this was their place now.

Inside, Sarah stood on a stepladder, wiping dust off the ceiling fan. She wore an old band tee and jeans, her hair tied in a messy bun, her sleeves rolled up. She glanced down when the door creaked shut.

"There you are," she said. "How was school?"

Ryan dropped his backpack near the entrance and looked around. "It's still standing, so I guess fine."

Sarah smiled as she climbed down. "You hungry?"

He shook his head. "Thought I'd help you out here a bit."

Her brows lifted, surprised. "Volunteering? Who are you and what have you done with my son?"

Ryan rolled his eyes and reached for the rag on the counter. "Don't push it."

They worked side by side in silence for a while—Sarah organizing mugs behind the counter, Ryan scrubbing down a row of bar stools. Outside, a soft breeze made the wind chimes on the door tinkle now and then. The café felt warm, even unfinished.

"Heard from Mrs. Harper that you were at the court," Sarah said, without looking up.

Ryan shrugged. "Shot around for a bit."

"Yeah. A guy named Ben." He paused, then added, "He's cool. A bit weird. But cool."

"Weird's not the worst thing," Sarah said, glancing over. "You like him?"

Ryan nodded. "He's different. Kinda reminds me of someone from a comic book."

"Sounds like someone who might stick around," she said, her voice quiet.

They fell into silence again, the comfortable kind. Ryan wiped the last table, then sat on the edge of it, arms crossed.

"You think this place is really going to work?" he asked suddenly.

Sarah paused mid-motion, then looked around at the space with a tired smile. "I don't know. But I'm going to try."

Ryan didn't say anything right away. Then: "It's weird. Being here. Seeing you like this. Like a whole different version of you."

Sarah leaned against the counter, a towel slung over her shoulder. "Maybe I'm just becoming who I was supposed to be."

He looked at her, thoughtful. "That's kinda deep for someone who can't figure out how to install a coffee machine."

A comfortable silence filled the room again, only broken by the creak of floorboards as Ryan stood up.

"When do you think we'll open?" he asked.

Sarah looked around, eyes soft. "Soon. I want it to be perfect."

"Then I'll keep helping," Ryan said.

As he picked up his backpack to head upstairs, Ryan paused at the doorway.

Sarah didn't answer right away—but her eyes glistened just a bit.

Chapter Eighteen – Just Us Two