The Hat That Saved Me

My hat was backwards, obviously. That's how the cool kids wore it, or at least that's what I told myself as I stood by the padel court, phone out, trying to look busy. My iphone—three generations old and held together by hope and clear tape—was practically vibrating with the notification I'd just gotten from Sarah: *omw 🥴*

I'd lied to her. Told her I was part of the country club, that I played padel every weekend. In reality, my dad was the new groundskeeper, and I was about as likely to wield a padel racquet as I was to spontaneously grow six inches.

"Sup, bro?" Chase appeared beside me, blonde hair perfect even in July humidity. He was wearing a shirt that cost more than my entire wardrobe.

"Just warming up," I said, adjusting my hat like it was a crown.

"Sweet. We need a fourth. You down?"

My brain short-circuited. This was it. My chance to finally—

The distant sound of shouting interrupted us. Then came the chaos. Someone's "bull-headed" grandpa had left the gate open at the neighboring farm, and suddenly there was an actual bull charging across the manicured grounds.

Everyone scattered. Rich kids dropped their paddles like they were radioactive. I didn't run. I grew up around animals. I knew that when you run, predators chase.

The bull skidded to a stop near the clubhouse pool, eyes wide and snorting. It was confused, scared. I walked toward it slowly, talking soft, keeping my body language calm.

"Hey there, big guy," I murmured. "You're okay."

Behind me, someone gasped. Sarah had arrived. She was watching.

The bull huffed, then lowered its head to drink from the pool. Just like that, the emergency was over. The grounds crew arrived, guided the bull back to its owner.

"Dude," Chase said, eyes wide. "That was... actually sick."

Sarah found me by the fence later. "You were amazing out there."

"Just lucky, I guess." I took off my hat and ran a hand through my hair.

She smiled. "You want to get food? My treat."

My phone buzzed again. Dad, asking if I was okay. I texted back: *Yeah. Everything's good.*

For the first time all summer, it wasn't a lie.