The Boy Who Gave Up the Race to Save His Rival

try, they’re yours.”

Caleb looked at him fast. “For real?”

“For real.”

“I can keep them?”

Marcus looked at the shoes one last time.

He remembered the first day Coach Brooks handed them to him.

The cracked track.

The shame of wanting.

The fear of hoping.

Then he remembered Madison’s weight in his arms and the finish line he crossed without applause.

He smiled.continue reading …