Summer Storm at Padel Camp

The humidity at summer camp was absolute trash. My shirt stuck to my back like a second skin, and the padel court felt like frying pan.

'You good, Marcus?' Liam asked, bouncing the ball off his racket.

'Bet,' I lied. My hands were sweating so much I could barely grip my own racket.

Coach Martinez—that old bull—paced the sidelines with his clipboard, already shouting at someone. 'Form, people! Form is everything!'

I hated how much I wanted to impress him. Maybe if I finally made varsity, Mom would stop asking why I couldn't be more like Jordan.

Jordan, who was currently laughing with Chloe by the water fountain, being effortlessly charming while I overthought every serve.

The sky chose that moment to open up.

First drop hit my forehead like a reality check. Then lightning cracked across the sky—this blinding white fork that turned everything stark and weird. Coach's whistle pierced through.

'Everyone inside! NOW!'

We grabbed our gear and sprinted toward the covered pavilion. Rain sheeted down, instantly soaking through everything. I was laughing despite myself, water dripping from my hair, all of us just running and breathless and equally miserable.

I ended up squeezed next to Chloe on a bench. Her curly hair was frizzing out, makeup smeared, and she looked—honestly? Kind of perfect.

'Marcus,' she said, like she was testing the word. 'You're actually really good at padel.'

My brain short-circuited. 'What?'

'I've been watching. You've got this crazy backhand.' She bumped my shoulder with hers. 'Don't tell Jordan I said that.'

Something in my chest loosened. The storm raged outside, rain drumming against the metal roof, and for once I wasn't overthinking. Wasn't comparing myself to anyone.

'Thanks,' I said. And meant it.

Jordan looked over, eyebrows raised. I just grinned. Let him wonder.

Outside, another lightning bolt flashed, illuminating everything. I leaned back against the bench and thought: maybe this summer wouldn't be so trash after all.

Maybe I didn't need to be anyone else.