Basketball
I am breathing very heavily. It is very difficult to see anything with all those lights seemingly pointed directly at me. I am conscious of this, but can't afford to think about it. The time ticks down. :15 seconds remain. I take the pass and hurl the ball at the floor. Repeatedly, it tries to bounce out of control, but I continue pushing it back. I jog to the other end of the court as I do this. Bouncing the ball up and down the whole way. :08 seconds left. Now the defenders are upon me. I lunge left, and spin slightly, then reverse my momentum. Now I have an open shot, but I have time. :06 seconds between me and the basket. I move toward the inside, my attention focused on the gap between 6'7" #34 and 6'9" #27. Cautiously, these two giants leave their man, giving me a pass opportunity. But there is no time. :03 seconds. I can make it between them. They're too far apart. Get in there!! I stop my dribble, holding the ball with both hands, my teeth gritted. I burst through the hole, and my left foot leaves the ground. Soon followed by my right. :01 second left on the clock. I attempt the layup, but a hand obstructs the shot. I pull the ball back quickly, and move it under the basket. I flick my wrist. :00. An elbow to my stomach renders me helpless in mid air. I collapse onto the floor, instinctively clutching my stomach. Only my eyes glance upwards, toward the basket and the ball that is brushing through the bottom of the net. And shortly afterwards, bouncing off my soon-to-be big head.
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