The Boy Who Gave Up the Race to Save His Rival

the ground, Coach Brooks caught him.

The old man wrapped both arms around him and held him upright.

For a moment, Marcus was a little boy again.

Tired.

Safe.

Seen.

Coach Brooks spoke into his ear.

“You didn’t have to stop.”

Marcus’s voice came out rough. “Yes, I did.”

Coach Brooks pulled back and looked at him.

His eyes were wet.

“Yes,” he said. “You did.”

Around continue reading …