The Lounge (1)

The whistle blows and Nathan is beaming, feeling victorious. He’s sweaty and panting but had just scored the last basket for the practice game. Lincoln is staring at him with a poker face while the other players high five with Nathan.

“Well done team!” Nelson roars in joy. “Looks like ya’ll are ready for the Interstate Tournament in Boston.”

“Yes Coach!” The team declares. They have been practicing for the Interstate Tournament for months and this is a big opportunity for them. Nathan, who’s aiming to apply for the national team after graduation, is especially hyped. Basketball is his life and it’s the only thing he wants to play for a long time.

“Jacobs!” Nelson calls him. “Come to my office.”

Nathan frowns but jogs behind the coach. They enter his office and Nelson shuts the door.

“Sit.”

Nelson motions Nathan to sit on a couch. Nathan does so and Nelson sits next to him, looking grim.

“I know that you have a lot of problems with Lincoln,” the old man says. Nathan snorts at that comm