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 waxed floors and faint sweat hung in the air as the Rosehill Wolves gathered in the visitors' locker room of Kingsridge Prep. The lights were bright, humming quietly overhead, while the players sat on the benches, lacing shoes, bouncing knees, and mentally preparing for the battle ahead.

Ryan dribbled a ball softly against the floor, his eyes focused but silent.

Ben stretched in the corner, earbuds hanging around his neck, face calm but alert.

Coach Daniels stood at the front of the room, arms crossed for a moment as he scanned each of his boys—his team. Then he clapped once, loud and sharp.

"We've come a long way since our first practice. Some people didn't believe we'd even make it to this tournament, let alone the quarterfinals. But you know what? You proved them wrong."

A few heads nodded. Ryan glanced at Ben, who gave him a half-smile.

Coach stepped toward the whiteboard and flipped it over. Diagrams of court positions, arrows, and names were scribbled across it.

"Kingsridge plays a fast game. Aggressive on the press. They like to trap in the corners and force turnovers. But they don't have the kind of defense that can keep up with our speed—especially with Ben and Ryan controlling the tempo."

Ben's face lit up. Ryan sat up straighter.

"You two will rotate between pushing the pace and setting up screens. Keep them guessing. Move the ball quick, don't get stuck. Use your instincts."

"Savage is their main scorer. He's smart, tall, and hits mid-range shots like clockwork. Jace, that's on you. Stay tight. Don't give him space to breathe."

"This is bracket-style. One game at a time. Win, and we're in the semifinals. Lose—and we go home. But I know something about this team…" He paused, eyes scanning the room. "You've got heart. More than they've ever seen. You've got chemistry. You've got fight."

He looked directly at Ryan and Ben. "You two have stepped up more than anyone. You're not just good players—you're becoming leaders."

Ryan blinked, surprised by the weight of those words. Ben gave a small, proud grin.

Coach clapped his hands. "Stick to the game plan. Play smart, play together. Trust each other. Let's go show them what Wolves do when the pressure's on."

"Rosehill on three," Coach said, holding out his fist.

The team circled in. "One, two, three—ROSEHILL!"

They broke out with fire in their eyes, ready to step onto the court.

The noise from the gym hit them like a wave as they walked through the tunnel. Cheers, stomps, whistles—this was it.

Ryan closed his eyes for half a second, then opened them.

Chapter 66 – Locker Room Talk