The text went out to the team at 7:32 PM, and by 7:45, every player was in the gym.
Javier sat in the locker room, his face pale, his hands shaking. Leo was beside him, his knee aching, his heart pounding. The team filed in, quiet, confused, scared. Mateo limped in on crutches. Derek was there, standing in the back. Kai sat on the bench. Marcus was pacing. David leaned against the wall.
Leo stood up. "Sit down. All of you."
The team sat.
"Javier has something to say."
Javier stood up. His hands were still shaking. His voice was steady.
"I've decided where I'm going to college," Javier said. "I've thought about it for a long time. I've prayed about it. I've talked to my parents. I've talked to Coach Cruz. I've talked to Derek. And I've made my decision."
The room was silent.
"I'm go
