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 afternoon sun filtered through the fading leaves, casting long shadows across the court. The echo of bouncing basketballs had become a familiar sound over the past few days, but today felt different—quieter, heavier.

It was Sunday—the last day before tryouts.

Ryan wiped sweat from his brow as he sank another shot. The ball swished through the net with that satisfying sound, but his face stayed unreadable.

Ben caught the rebound and passed it back. "Nailed it. Again."

Ryan shrugged. "Still missed three before that."

Ben leaned on his knees, breathing a little harder than usual. "Come on, man. We've been practicing non-stop. You're ready."

Ryan didn't respond right away. He bounced the ball a few times, then looked up. "You nervous?"

Ben let out a shaky laugh. "Terrified. What if I mess up in front of everyone? What if I trip or something stupid?"

Ryan finally cracked a small smirk. "Then I'll trip next to you. We'll go down in style."

They sat down on the edge of the court, water bottles in hand. For a moment, there was only silence between them—comfortable, thoughtful.

"I'm not used to this," Ryan finally said.

"Having someone to practice with. Talk to. Care if I make the team or not."

Ben didn't make a big deal out of it. He just nodded. "Well, get used to it. I'm not going anywhere."

They clinked their water bottles together.

"I wonder who else is trying out," Ryan muttered.

"I heard some of the older guys are coming back. Probably a few new faces too. You think they'll take both of us?"

"If they don't, they'll regret it."

Ben laughed. "There's the confidence."

Ryan stood and spun the ball on his finger. "Let's make this last practice count."

They returned to the court as the sky began to turn orange. Shot after shot, pass after pass—no audience, no pressure, just two friends trying to outdo themselves one more time before everything got real.

As the sun dipped below the trees, Ryan made one final shot. Nothing but net.

Ben nodded, grabbing his bag. "Tomorrow."

And with that, they walked home, nerves in their stomachs, sweat on their backs, and quiet hope in their hearts.

Chapter thirty-four – The Calm Before the Game