Ryan – At Home with Sarah
Ryan sat at the kitchen table, still in his practice hoodie, bouncing a basketball gently against his foot. The glow of the café lights downstairs shone faintly through the floorboards.
Sarah poured two mugs of tea and slid one across to him.
"You nervous?" she asked, her voice soft.
Ryan shrugged. "A little. They're good. Fast. Smart."
"You're good too," Sarah said, settling across from him. "You've been working hard. I've seen it. Not just on the court… but with people."
He looked up.
"You've opened up more, Ryan. You've let people in. That's not easy."
He gave a small smile. "Feels like… this team means something now."
Sarah reached across and squeezed his hand. "No matter how the game goes tomorrow, I'm proud of you."
Ryan nodded, then smirked. "Just don't yell too loud from the bleachers."
"No promises."
Ben – In the Garage with Jack
Ben was fixing his bike chain while Jack leaned against the workbench, sipping a soda. The sound of a basketball bouncing in the driveway drifted through the open garage door.
"You ready, champ?" Jack asked.
Ben glanced up. "I think so."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "Just think so?"
Ben chuckled. "Okay—yeah. I'm ready. I'm just… excited. Nervous-excited, I guess."
"You've got this," Jack said. "You've always had the mind for the game. You see things most people miss."
Ben paused. "You think I can really lead?"
Jack nodded. "You're not just on the team anymore. You're part of what makes it tick. And tomorrow, win or lose, you'll leave it all on that court. That's what matters."
Ben grinned. "Guess I'll make sure the chain's tight on my bike. Might need to ride it home after the game with a trophy."
Jack laughed. "That's the spirit."
Anna – In Her Room with Evelyn
Anna sat at her desk, staring at the flyer Savannah made for the game. It had bold letters: Rosehill Wolves – Semifinals!
Evelyn leaned against the doorway. "Excited for tomorrow?"
Anna nodded. "Yeah. I just… want to get it right."
"You will."
Anna looked over. "Mom… do you remember when I was little and you told me being strong didn't mean hiding how I feel?"
Evelyn smiled gently. "Of course. Strength isn't silence. It's choosing to be open even when it's scary."
Anna took a breath. "I think I get that now."
"I know you do," Evelyn said, walking over to hug her. "Go support your boys tomorrow. And wear something sparkly. You were born to shine."
Savannah – In the Living Room with Her Aunt
Savannah was practicing a cheer routine in front of the TV when her aunt came in with a bowl of popcorn.
"Big game tomorrow, huh?"
Savannah nodded. "Huge. The gym's gonna be packed."
"You excited?"
"I am. But I'm more excited to watch them play. Ryan's been working like crazy, and Ben—he's grown so much."
Her aunt gave her a knowing look. "You like being part of something, don't you?"
Savannah smiled. "Yeah… I do."
"Well, tomorrow you go out there and cheer your heart out. This is their moment—but you're part of what makes it feel like one."
Savannah nodded, her eyes bright. "We're gonna make it loud."
Later That Night – Four Messages
All four—Ryan, Ben, Anna, and Savannah—sat in their rooms, phones glowing in their hands. Almost at the same time, they each sent a message in their group chat:
Ben:"Let's give 'em something to remember tomorrow. Wolves don't back down."
Savannah:"I'll be screaming my lungs out for you two."
Anna:"We've got your backs. Just play your game."
Ryan:"Time to hunt."