Marcus’s POV
Coach Daniels called me into his office. The fluorescent lights hummed overhead, and the walls were lined with old trophies and team photos. Normally, this room would feel like a second home, a place where I’d mapped out game plans and discussed plays with Coach. But today, it felt cold, like everything was on the line.
Coach sat behind his desk, his expression serious. He gestured for me to sit down, and I took the chair across from him, my stomach twisting with nerves.
“Marcus,” he began, folding his hands on the desk. “You gave a strong effort out there. But I need to be honest with you. This isn’t just about your performance today. This is about commitment. Leadership. You need to focus. I’m not doubting your ability. But I am doubting whether you can handle the weight of this responsibility right now.”
I felt a surge of frustration, but I forced myself to stay calm. “This is my team, Coach. I’m ready to give everything for it.”
“Then prove it. Because as of tomorrow, there’s going to be a decision made. Either you step up, or someone else will take your place.”
I felt the weight of everything pressing down on me. The team, the scholarship, my future—it all seemed to be slipping away.I nodded slowly, swallowing back the anger and fear that threatened to spill over. “Understood.”