The Boy Who Gave Up the Race to Save His Rival

took one step.

Then another.

Then another.

Behind him, runners passed.

One by one.

Some looked confused.

Some looked away.

None of them stopped.

Marcus did not hate them for it.

He just held on tighter.

Madison’s head rolled against his shoulder. Her ponytail was stuck to her neck. Her lips moved like she was trying to ask where she was.

“You’re okay,” Marcus continue reading …