Strike Zone

Maya's vintage trucker hat was practically fused to her skull at this point. It was her armor against the terrifying reality of sophomore year at Creekwood High, where everyone seemed to already have their squads sorted while she was still floating in social purgatory.

"You gonna play or just model that hat all day?" Jordan called from the padel court, grinning like he knew something she didn't.

Maya adjusted the brim. "I'm mentally preparing. It's a whole thing."

"Yeah? How's that going for you?"

"Shut up, Jordan."

Truth was, she'd barely touched a padel racket until two weeks ago when her mom signed her up for lessons, claiming sports were the key to making friends. So far, the only thing she'd mastered was looking slightly less than completely uncoordinated.

Then came the lightning flash.

Literally. A massive storm was rolling in, turning the sky that ominous purple-green color that meant get inside NOW. But nobody moved. This was the championship match, Creekwood vs. Northwood, and apparently teenage pride was stronger than basic survival instincts.

"Game point!" someone screamed as thunder cracked directly overhead.

Maya's partner, Lena—who'd been giving her side-eye since they got paired up—whispered, "You got this. Just smash it."

Something about the way Lena said it, like she actually believed it, made Maya's brain go quiet. All the overthinking, the what-ifs, the crushing weight of fitting in—just vanished into the storm-charged air.

The ball came at her, and she didn't think. She just swung.

The sound was perfect. That crisp, satisfying *thwack* that echoed across the court as the ball sailed past their opponents, landing exactly where it needed to.

"YESSS!" Lena tackled her in a hug that was 90% excitement, 10% awkward teenage girl physical contact.

They won the match. They won the whole tournament. And somewhere between the group celebration and Jordan teasing her about finally taking off that stupid hat, Maya realized she'd found her squad without even trying.

The hat stayed on though. Some armor you don't need anymore, but you keep wearing anyway because it looks cool.