The next day, Kendrick arrived at the gym early. He wanted extra time to train, to block out the noise and focus on what mattered. But as he walked in, he saw Coach Ray waiting for him by the court, his arms crossed.
"Morning, Coach," Kendrick said, forcing a smile.
Coach Ray didn't return it. "We need to talk, Rivers."
Kendrick's stomach dropped. "What's up?"
Coach gestured for him to sit. "I've been hearing things. Rumors. People are saying you've got trouble following you around. That you're bringing it here."
Kendrick's chest tightened. "Coach, I'm not trying to bring anything here. I'm just trying to work, to stay focused."
"I get that," Coach said, his voice softer now. "But this gym is a place for kids who want to escape all that. If the wrong people start showing up here, it puts everyone at risk."
Kendrick nodded, guilt washing over him. "I'm sorry, Coach. I didn't mean for this to happen."
Coach Ray studied him for a moment. "You've got potential, Rivers. Real potential. But you've got to decide what's more important, your future or your past. Because you can't have both."
The words hit Kendrick hard. He knew Coach was right. If he wanted to move forward, he had to leave the past behind completely. But that meant confronting Trenton once and for all.
That evening, Kendrick made his way to the old playground where he and Trenton used to hang out as kids. It was quiet now, the swings creaking in the breeze. Trenton was already there, leaning against the jungle gym.
"You came," Trenton said, his voice flat.
Kendrick nodded, stepping closer. "We need to end this, Trent. I'm not backing down. I'm not coming back to the streets."
Trenton's expression darkened. "Then you're choosing them over us."
"I'm choosing me," Kendrick said firmly. "I'm choosing my future."
For a long moment, Trenton said nothing. Then he stepped forward, his voice low. "You'd better hope that future is worth it, K-Dawg. Because you just made an enemy out of the streets."
As Kendrick walked away, he felt a weight lift off his shoulders. The lines had been drawn, the choices made. Now, all that mattered was proving that his decision was the right one.