Kendrick felt like he was floating as he made his way back home from the university. His mind was buzzing with everything he'd seen: the huge gym, the packed stadium, the coach's serious but welcoming face. This was his dream, a world he'd only imagined until now. But here he was, with an invitation to join the team.
As he walked down the familiar streets of his neighborhood, reality slowly crept back in. The buildings here were run down, paint peeling off walls, and graffiti marking every corner. The sounds of distant shouting and laughter reminded him that he hadn't left this life behind yet.
When he reached his apartment, he found his mom waiting for him by the door. Her tired face lit up when she saw him.
"How was it?" she asked, a hopeful smile on her face.
Kendrick felt a lump in his throat. This was why he was doing all this, to give her a life where she didn't have to worry about him, where she didn't have to work so hard.
"It was… amazing, Ma," he replied, a smile spreading across his face. "They want me on the team. This could be it. Our way out."
His mom's eyes filled with tears, and she pulled him into a tight hug. "I'm so proud of you, Kendrick," she whispered, her voice shaking. "You just keep doing what you're doing. Don't let anyone take this from you."
He nodded, holding her close, feeling the weight of her hopes on his shoulders. But as they stood there, Kendrick couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that his troubles weren't over.