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 sound of basketballs hitting the hardwood echoed through the gym. But today, it wasn't playful. It was focused. Heavy. Everyone felt it. The championship was just days away—and the Wolves weren't playing just any team. They were up against the Ridgeway Titans, a school with a national reputation and an undefeated season.

Coach Daniels blew his whistle. "Alright, bring it in."

The team gathered at half-court. Ryan sat in his chair beside the clipboard, flipping through notes. His face was calm but serious.

Coach Daniels looked around. "We made it. Final game of the season. Final game of this tournament. I won't sugarcoat it—Ridgeway is tough. They've got three all-state players, and their bench is deeper than most varsity teams."

Tyler swallowed hard. Ben clenched his fists.

Ryan cleared his throat. "They don't just play fast. They're smart. Every screen is set with purpose. Every pass is to bait your reaction. They want us to overcommit."

He looked straight at Ben. "Their point guard will try to draw you into iso plays. Don't bite. Stick to the system."

Ben nodded slowly. "I've watched him. He plays like he's on a highlight reel."

"Exactly," Ryan said. "We're not here for flash. We're here to win."

Coach Daniels pointed to the board. "We'll run scrimmages with their offensive plays. Tyler, you're running scout team point—simulate their guy. Make it fast, make it difficult."

The practice that followed was grueling. Drills. Screens. Defensive traps. Every second counted.

At one point, the gym went quiet as Ryan rolled to the center.

"I know what they say," he began. "That we're the underdogs. That we're lucky to be here. But I've been with this team through everything. You've earned your spot. And whether we win or lose, you're going to leave that court with your heads high. Because no one's going to outwork the Wolves."

The team broke into a round of claps and shouts.

"Wolves on three," Coach Daniels called."One, two, three—WOLVES!"

As practice wrapped up, they sat in a loose circle, catching their breath. Savannah walked in with water bottles from the cheer squad, handing them out with a grin.

"You guys are gonna crush it," she said to Ben, then looked at Ryan. "I've never seen a team this locked in."

Anna leaned against the bleachers, watching them all. Her eyes lingered on Ryan. He caught her glance and gave a quiet nod.

They weren't just a team anymore. They were a family.

Chapter 118 – Practice Before the Finals