The Boy Who Gave Up the Race to Save His Rival

had taught him not to chase noise.

By mile five, the pack stretched thin.

By mile nine, the early speedsters started fading.

Marcus moved up without forcing it.

The city blurred around him in pieces.

A row of brick storefronts.

A church steeple.

A gas station that reminded him of his father.

A woman in a folding chair ringing a cowbell.

A little boy holding continue reading …