The hum of the machines in Devon’s hospital room filled the quiet air, steady and unchanging. The door creaked open, and a wave of chatter and laughter spilled in as Alan entered with the rest of the basketball team.
“Man, it feels weird without you at practice, bro,” said Tyrell, a forward on the team, as he dragged a chair closer to Devon’s bedside. “Coach Daniel’s’ keeps trying to give motivational speeches, but you know they just don’t hit the same.”
“Facts,” chimed in Marcus, leaning against the wall. “We need you back out there, captain. I don’t think I can handle another one of Alan’s ‘we’re all in this together’ pep talks.”
The guys burst into laughter, and Alan rolled his eyes, though a smirk tugged at his lips. “Y’all act like I’m not standing right here,” he said, taking a s
