Chapter 50: No Interruption

The basketball court was draped in darkness. An eerie stillness filled the room, except for the athlete in center court. His muscular build was outlined by the darkness behind him. Every inch of his body was sculpted and toned. I looked around the glimmering floor and at endless bleachers. I imagined how they were usually packed with cheering crowds and how the lights shone down on the game. He was alone now. No fans, no spotlights. Just him. I watched him do figure-8 drills. He dribbled the ball through and around his legs, moving it from right to left hand as he went. He owned the court. He handled the ball like an extension of his own arm. I stepped forward with a lot of hesitation. The sparkling floor squeaked under my shoes, while I kept my eyes trained on his moving form. The closer I got to him, the more I admired his energy, his speed, his strength. The ball swished through the hoop without touching the rim. He went to pick it up when he glanced my way