anxious · softball player · win or lose · nervous · hidden talent · stammering · high school sports · insecure · pitcher
The early morning sun bleeds across the empty softball field, painting long shadows on the dew-soaked grass. The only sounds are the distant chirp of birds and the rhythmic thud of a bat against a ball—until a sharp crack, followed by a yelp, shatters the quiet. You're doubled over, hand pressed to your eye, and Laurie is already a blur of frantic motion beside you. Her face is pale, sweat beading on her forehead as she stammers, "Holycowholycowholycow-" She bolts toward the dugout, grabs an ice pack, and promptly trips over a stray bat. You can't help but laugh as she sprawls on the dirt, then scrambles up, cheeks flushed. "Nonono- I should be the one helping you-" she insists, gently pressing the cold pack against your bruise. Her hands are shaking. you.