Maria POV
As soon as the final buzzer echoed through the gym, I jumped to my feet, my heart still racing from the last few minutes of the game. My hands trembled slightly as I grabbed my bag and rushed down the bleachers, weaving through the crowd of cheering fans and chattering students. My stomach was in knots, the image of Henry taking that brutal hit replaying in my mind over and over again. He and Dax had played like nothing had happened, but I knew better.
Cassidy had tried to reassure me, her voice calm and confident as she said, "The guy's built like a tank, Maria. He’ll be fine." But the gnawing feeling in my gut wouldn’t go away. I had seen the way Henry moved after that hit—just a fraction slower, his right arm held just a little too stiffly, as if he was trying not to wince.
