The Sphinx at Center Court

Lena crouched behind the equipment shed, feeling like the world's most pathetic spy. Her phone buzzed in her pocket—Mom again, wondering why she wasn't at Sunday dinner. But Lena couldn't leave. Not yet.

Beyond the chain-link fence, the padel courts were glowing under the lights, and out there was everything Lena wanted but couldn't have: confidence, coordination, and—most importantly—Avi.

Avi, with his stupid perfect hair and his stupid laugh that sounded like summer. Avi, who had somehow become the most popular guy at Northwood High despite moving here only three months ago from Barcelona. Avi, who played padel like he'd been born with a racquet in his hand.

"Spying again?"

Lena jumped. Maya materialized beside her, holding two Gatorades. "I prefer 'strategic observation,'" Lena muttered.

"Same thing." Maya handed her a drink. "You know, normal people would just talk to him."

"Normal people aren't terrified that their crush will discover they've been secretly watching his padel matches for three weeks straight."

Maya snorted. "Fair."

On the court, Avi smashed the ball past his opponent. His team erupted. Lena's chest did that stupid fluttery thing that made her feel twelve instead of sixteen.

"He's like the sphinx," Maya said thoughtfully.

"The sphinx?"

"Mysterious. Everyone talks about him, nobody actually knows him. You just keep staring from afar instead of solving the riddle."

Lena blinked. "When did you get philosophical?"

"When you started acting like a weirdo." Maya stood up. "Come on. I'm done being your lookout. Either talk to him or let's go get boba."

"But—"

"NOW, Lena."

Lena's heart hammered as Maya literally shoved her toward the courts. This was fine. This was totally fine. She would just—

The ball sailed over the fence and landed at her feet.

Lena looked up. Avi was jogging over, grinning. "Hey! Can you pass that back?"

The sphinx had spoken.

"Sure," Lena squeaked. She tossed the ball.

"Thanks." He paused. "You're Lena, right? From chemistry?"

She nodded, unable to form words.

"Cool." He pointed to the empty spot beside him on the bench. "Want to watch? This match is gonna be epic."

Lena glanced back at the equipment shed. Maya was already gone, leaving her alone with the sphinx at center court.

"Yeah," she said. "I'd love that."

Finally, the riddle had an answer.