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 gym was already alive with bouncing balls and the echo of sneakers on polished wood by the time Ryan and Ben walked in. A few of the older players were already warming up, shooting around and joking with one another. Ryan scanned the court, his nerves hidden behind his usual calm mask.

Ryan gave a small nod. "Let's see what we're made of."

Coach Daniels stood at the far end of the court, clipboard in hand, chatting with one of the assistant coaches. He wore his usual ball cap, a whistle around his neck, and that same laid-back but commanding presence that had already left an impression during tryouts.

When he spotted the boys, he lifted a hand. "Whitmore, Carter. You two made it early. I like that."

"Wouldn't miss it, Coach," Ben said with a grin.

Coach Daniels smiled. "Good. This isn't just about showing up for the game—it's about showing up for each other. That's how we build something real."

Ryan wasn't used to coaches like this. His old team back in California had been more about winning than building trust. But here, Coach Daniels was different. He didn't yell unless he had to, and even when he did, it wasn't to break you down—it was to wake you up.

Practice began with warm-ups, then passing drills. The team moved like a unit, but Ryan could still feel the undercurrent of competition. Everyone was trying to prove they belonged.

"Let's see some ball movement!" Coach Daniels called. "Ryan, Ben—run that wing drill."

They took position, bouncing into motion. Ryan's passes were sharp, and Ben kept pace, feeding the ball right back. Coach gave an approving nod. "That's the energy I want."

Later, during scrimmage, Ryan found himself up against Jamal, the same guy who'd made that comment during tryouts. The tension flared again when Ryan slipped past him for a layup.

"You got lucky," Jamal muttered, scowling.

Ryan didn't take the bait. He turned and jogged back to defense, letting his game speak for itself.

Coach Daniels blew his whistle. "Jamal. Ryan. You're both talented, but this isn't the NBA—yet. I want teamwork. Attitude stays in check, or you sit."

When practice ended, the team gathered around Coach. He looked at each of them like he saw more than just kids with jerseys.

"This is the start," he said. "You're gonna win games, lose some too. But what matters is how you carry each other through it. We don't quit. We don't tear each other down. That's not this team."

The players clapped, bumping fists and grabbing water.

As they left the court, Ben glanced at Ryan. "Well, I think we survived."

Ryan let a faint smirk appear. "Barely."

They passed Savannah and Anna near the gym doors—both already dressed for cheer practice. Savannah gave a little wave.

"Let's just say," Ben replied, "we're not cut yet."

Anna smiled at Ryan. "Good. I think you'll both surprise them."

Ryan didn't say anything, but he met her gaze a little longer than usual before walking off.

Outside, the air was crisp and cooling. Ryan felt the ache in his muscles, but it wasn't unpleasant. It felt like something was beginning.

Chapter thirty-nine– First Practice