The morning started like any other. Kendrick woke up, stretched his aching muscles, and stared at the ceiling for a moment, letting the silence sink in. Today wasn't just any day. The next big showcase was only a week away. Every move he made, every decision, every shot, it all mattered now.
When Kendrick arrived at the gym, he noticed something unusual. The players warming up seemed quieter, their energy muted. He walked past a group of teammates who quickly stopped talking as he approached. Kendrick's chest tightened. He could feel their eyes on him, and it wasn't the usual friendly competition.
"What's going on?" Kendrick muttered to himself as he started his stretches.
A few minutes into warm-ups, Jamal jogged over. His face was serious, not the usual easygoing expression Kendrick had grown used to. "K-Dawg," Jamal said, keeping his voice low. "You need to watch your back, man."
Kendrick stopped mid-stretch. "What do you mean?"
"Word's going around that Trenton's crew is planning something. Some of the guys heard they might show up here, try to start something."
Kendrick clenched his jaw. He felt the weight of Trenton's threats pressing down on him like a storm cloud. "They wouldn't," Kendrick said, though he wasn't sure he believed it himself.
Jamal shook his head. "I don't know, man. Just be ready. If they come here, Coach Ray won't take it lightly."
The rest of practice felt heavy. Kendrick tried to focus, but his mind kept drifting to the possibility of Trenton or his crew showing up. He couldn't let them ruin this for him. Not now. Not when he was so close.
As practice wrapped up, Kendrick stayed behind, taking extra shots to clear his mind. The rhythmic sound of the ball hitting the floor and swishing through the net helped calm him, but the feeling of being watched never quite left.
When he finally stepped outside, he noticed a car parked across the street. The engine was off, but Kendrick could make out a familiar silhouette in the driver's seat.
Trenton.