Market Crash at Padel Camp

My palms were sweating so much I could barely grip the racquet. Welcome to the Pine Valley Padel Academy, where my parents decided to ship me for the summer because apparently nothing says "responsible future" like learning a sport I'd never heard of until last week.

"You've got the stance of a newborn deer," Coach Martínez announced, gesturing at my feet. "Plant yourself. Like a tree."

A palm tree, specifically — they lined every court here, mocking me with their perfect posture while I tripped over my own feet.

The camp was divided into two teams: the Bulls, who played aggressive and loud, and the Bears, who were all about patience and strategy. I'd been assigned to the Bears, which felt fitting since I spent most of my time hibernating in my room back home.

"Your form's tragic, Harmony," said Tyler, the Bulls' captain, who somehow managed to look effortless in his polo shirt. "But you've got potential."

I almost dropped my racquet. Tyler noticed me? Tyler, with his perfect serve and his stupid perfect hair?

"Thanks," I managed, my voice cracking. Great. Smooth.

That afternoon, after I'd somehow managed to score a point off the back wall, I found myself sitting by the pool, dangling my feet in the water. Tyler sat next to me, close enough that our shoulders almost touched.

"My dad's a stockbroker," he said suddenly. "That's where the team names come from. Bull market, bear market. Always fighting, always pushing."

"Mine too," I admitted. "That's why I'm here. They think learning padel will make me more... I don't know, aggressive? Professional?"

Tyler laughed, and it was genuine, not fake-polite. "Harmony, you just scored on the best player at camp with a backhand nobody saw coming. I think you're doing fine."

The pool water rippled around my feet, and for the first time all summer, my palms stopped sweating. Maybe the real market strategy wasn't about being a bull or a bear. Maybe it was about finding your own rhythm, your own way to play.

"Same time tomorrow?" Tyler asked.

"Absolutely."

And somewhere above us, the palm trees seemed to nod in approval.