The Boy Who Gave Up the Race to Save His Rival

had scuffs on the sides and a faded stripe along the heel.

But the soles were solid, the laces matched, and the inside smelled faintly of cedar chips, like somebody had cared enough to store them right.

Marcus held them like they were expensive.

“I can’t take these,” he said.

“You can borrow them.”

“For how long?”

Coach Brooks shrugged. “Until they quit continue reading …