Hey guys, this isn't one of my best ones, but late night angst can do a lot to people, so here it is

I crack my knuckles and adjust my headband, jogging onto the court. Its markings are all familiar, and I relax.

Our home, we win. Coach's words echo in my brain. I pull my ponytail tighter, praying it won't fall out. Coach hates it when that happens.

Lori goes up to do the jump ball, her hand poised perfectly. I bend my knees, waiting for her to put our play into action.

Finally, the ref blows the whistle and launches the ball into the air. Lori taps it toward the opponent's side and I snatch it. Mikayla sprints to the basket and I pass the ball to her and she makes an easy layup, the game's first point. The crowd cheers wildly.

A girl from the opposing team dribbles up the court. She fakes our guard player, Bailey, and makes a running shot. It's tied now.

We keep running across the court as we steal, pick, and drive to the basket. I hear my sister's voice in the crowd.

"Let's go Nadi!" Pam yells loudly. I grin as I rebound, sweat dripping into my eyes.

The girl from the other team steals the ball in the third quarter, the one who faked Bailey. I take my place as point guard. She walks up to me, gritting her teeth. She tries to fake, but I'm ready. She can't get past me.

She snarls in frustration. A fire burns in her eyes, and I realize it too late. She charges into me, her knee slamming into my thigh. Crying out, I collapse on the court. Lori rushes to help me up, but it hurts too much to stand. Tears well up in my eyes, and my head spins.

The ref blows the whistle, and my team members rush towards me.

"Nadia!" Coach's voice is louder than any of theirs. "Nadia, stay with me!" She calls for water, which Lori gives her. She tries to make me drink it, but I'm breathing too hard and I'm crying and it hurts to swallow. Cold water dribbles down my chin.

"Dammit Nadia, drink the water!" I try my best to gulp down what I can. Then, Papi is right beside me, Pam right behind him.

"Stay awake Nadia," he pleads, his accent thick. But my world is spinning and I can't see straight anymore. The pain's making me numb.

Suddenly, I plunge into darkness.