The week passed faster than Marcus expected. Each day he pushed himself harder. He ran until his legs shook shot until his shoulders burned and passed until his hands stung. Still the thought of the coming game sat heavy in his mind.
It was not just about playing. It was about proving himself. Not to Walt. Not even to the other players. To himself. He had not been in a real game in years. The last one had broken him.
Game day arrived on a cool Saturday afternoon. The gym smelled of fresh polish and faint sweat from an earlier match. A few rows of metal benches lined one side of the court. Family members friends and curious locals sat scattered across them.
Marcus stood near the bench tying his laces. He could hear the other team warming up. Sneakers squeaked. The ball smacked the hardwood. The net whispered as shots dropped. They looked younger quicker and more confident.
"Alright" Walt said stepping in front of the team. "This is just a friendly. But I want effort. Marcus you're starting on the bench. Watch the game. Learn how they play. I'll put you in when the time's right."
Marcus nodded. He wanted to start. But he understood.
The game began fast. The other team came out sharp hitting shots and jumping passing lanes. Walt's team stumbled early missing open looks. The tall player whose name Marcus had learned was Daryl tried to take control. He forced shots and got blocked twice.
By the middle of the first half, they were down eight. Walt called a timeout.
"We need to slow down" he said. Then he looked at Marcus. "You're in."
Marcus stepped onto the court. The air felt heavier as if every eye in the gym had turned toward him. He took his spot on the wing.
On the first possession he did not touch the ball. The second time down Daryl drove toward the basket. Two defenders collapsed on him and maybe out of frustration he kicked the ball to Marcus.
Marcus caught it took a breath and shot. It felt smooth just like in practice. The ball dropped clean through the net.
A small cheer rose from the bench. Walt clapped once. "Good. Keep moving."
On defense Marcus stayed alert watching his man's hips not his eyes. When the ball swung his way, he stepped in and stole it clean. He pushed the pace and fed a teammate for an easy layup.
By halftime they were down only three. Marcus had scored twice and made a few sharp passes.
As they sat on the bench Walt spoke quietly. "You see. You don't need to do everything. Just do your part."
Marcus nodded. He felt the difference. He was not playing like a man chasing the past. He was playing like someone who belonged right now.
The second half tightened up. Both teams traded baskets. Daryl still gave Marcus a cold look now and then but he passed to him more often.
With two minutes left they were down one. The gym grew louder as benches shouted encouragement.
Walt called another timeout. "Simple play" he said drawing lines on the clipboard. "Marcus you're in the corner. If you're open take the shot. If not swing it."
They broke the huddle. Marcus felt his heart thudding. The play unfolded as planned. The ball moved around the perimeter. Daryl drove into the lane pulling the defense with him.
Marcus was open.
The ball came.
He caught it set his feet and shot.
The ball arced high then dropped through the net. The gym exploded. Teammates slapped his back as they ran to set up on defense.
The other team rushed to respond. Marcus stayed locked in on his man. With seconds left the shooter tried to shake him but Marcus stayed with him. The shot missed. The buzzer sounded. Walt's team had won by two.
For a moment Marcus just stood there breathing hard. Then he smiled. It was not a championship. It was not bright lights or thousands screaming his name. But it was something.
After the handshake line Daryl passed him and muttered "Nice shot."
It was not much. But it was a crack in the wall.
Walt walked over. "You played well. Not perfect. But well."
"Thanks" Marcus said.
"Next week we work more on defense. And stamina" Walt added. "That last shot won us the game. But I want you to take it without gasping for air."
Marcus laughed. "Fair enough."
As they left the gym Marcus felt lighter. He did not know where this road would lead.
But for the first time in years, he wanted to find out.