-Raya-
By the time I finished my last lap, the air had shifted. The sun was dipping lower now, tucking itself behind streaks of soft lavender and peach. A light breeze picked up, cool against the sweat sticking to my back and neck. My body was tired, but that kind of satisfying tired—earned, not forced.
I stopped by the benches again, grabbing my gym bag and towel. My legs ached, calves tight, but I liked it. It meant I pushed myself. It meant I showed up for myself even when no one was watching.
The locker room was mostly quiet by now. A few of the girls’ things were still scattered around, forgotten hair ties and empty water bottles. I peeled off my practice jersey, wiping the sweat from my brow before quickly changing into a loose T-shirt and leggings. I didn’t bother fixing my hair—
