The sun had set and left long shadows over the stadium as the last part of the audience left for their homes. However, for Cassian, as well as his team, night was yet dark enough. Their win of relay sealed for them the championship in the district, and the spirit, which had been carried by the wind through the air all day long during the race, still persisted. The team continued to stand there by the track, laughing with excitement and cheering to relive all of the moments of competition.
Jackson slapped Cassian on the back, a huge grin spreading across the young man's face. "Dude, that was insane! I thought we were done for, but you pulled it off!"
He did smile, still catching his breath, although he did say, "It was close. Too close.".
The coach walks into the room, his eyes gleaming with pride, clapping his hands for everyone's attention. "Okay, team. Listen up. You've worked hard for this. And today, you deserve it. Enjoy this moment because you deserve it.".
The evening went late over a neighborhood pizza parlor. Cassian and his teammates were consuming slices and tales of races here. The victory had only tied them together in another way than that, by competition alone, and for the first time in what seemed like forever, Cassian actually felt like he belonged. Though he did not show it outwardly, he felt a connection to the team, a feeling he wasn't used to but welcomed.
As night wore the weariness of life slowly from the team members, Cassian bid his goodbyes and stepped out into the waiting arms of his parents. Mark and Sarah stood by the side of their car, grinning with delight. Mark flung open his arms wide as Cassian reached them.
"There's my champion!" Mark said, pulling him into a tight hug.
And with that, Sarah smiled out at him, her eyes shining. "You were great out there, Cass. That finish was something else. You left everyone in awe.".
Cassian shrugged slightly, but the corner of his mouth almost smiled. "I just ran."
"Just ran!" Mark exclaimed, laughing. "You ran like you had rockets in your shoes. We're so proud of you."
They were both so high on spirits that day, still fresh from the thought of victory, that the drive home became a breeze. When they arrived at the house, Sarah still had one more surprise: a small cake with "District Champions" boldly written in frosting letters. There are three who sit around a kitchen table, mumbling, eating cake, and sharing out the highlights of the day. Cassian's smile lingers on his face, but, at the same time, somewhere else in his head is already dealing with what comes next.
The next morning Cassian wakes up early with his body still throbbing with the energy of the day before. Though there are some sore muscles, this is not unusual. As he prepares to go off to school, his thoughts are focused on the future: big things according to what the coach says in regard to their victories. He feels that he cannot get out of his head that winning is only the start.
When he got to school, the hallways were still abuzz with excitement. His teammates waited for him in the passageways to pound fist and give grinning hellos, and word of their triumph had spread faster than either could have imagined. The team congregated outside for its morning meeting with the coach, curious to know what came next.
The coach stood before them, arms crossed at his chest, as habituated to his serious mien as always, except for the tiniest semblance of pride flickering across his face. He cleared his throat and said, "Okay. Let's move on." The team quieted in response.
"You all did something incredible yesterday," Coach said, his voice steady. "You didn't just win a district championship—you showed me what you're capable of. And because of that, I have some news."
The boys leaned in, anticipation thick in the air.
"You've qualified for the regional meet," Coach declared, allowing the words to settle in. "This winter break, you're going to be competing against the best teams in the region. The bar's about to get a whole lot higher.".
Cheering went through the team once again as the taste of new adventure filled the air. Cassian felt the rush of adrenaline course through his veins again. The district competition had been tough enough, but the regional meet would prove on a completely different plane.
With his hand raised for silence, Coach began with, "Now listen up. We still have a couple of weeks to winter break, but that doesn't mean things are going to be easy. You have proven to me what you are capable of, but this next competition is when you will be tested to your limit. So I expect each and every one of you to be prepared."
The boys nodded in agreement, tempered excitement now with the understanding that this was not going to be an easy road.
As the meeting wound up, Cassian wandered out in his head, thinking of the regional meet. The person was going to be tough, but he felt that zing at the thought. Running had always been a way to get away, and now it was changing into something much more—something he could really build a life around. He had no idea where it would take him, but for the very first time in his life, he awaited discovery.
That evening, Cassian ate dinner with his parents. His thoughts still hunted him after the announcement of the coach: "So, regional meet, huh?" Mark said, breaking the silence. "Sounds like things are getting serious." Cassian nodded and poked at his food with his fork. "Yeah. It's going to be tough.
We know you can handle it," Sarah said softly. "You've worked so hard to get here, Cass. Just keep doing what you've been doing."
Cassian looked up at his parents, a rush of emotion rising up in him. "Thanks.".