Short Story Essay

Onica Yu

Period 7

Fight for Passion

       A new student named William whose passion is basketball came to school not knowing anyone. Everyone were complete strangers to him therefore, he would always go to the school gym where he would shoot hoops and imagine screaming crowds cheering for the on net shots he kept making. From the distance, the basketball coach was watching from distance.

“Wow your shots are amazing and accurate! Have you ever thought of joining a team?” The coach happily questioned William.  At first William was speechless, but with a confident and respectful voice, he answered.
       “I have thought about it although my parents dislike me joining sports,” William sadly said with a sigh.

The coach deeply wished William to be in the basketball team that most often lost. The coach's desires got him thinking about what should be done to get ace shooter, William, in the basketball team. A plan popped in his head like a balloon that was overblown.

Suggesting to William, "I know you love basketball and I would love for you to be in the team, therefore do you consider joining the team and not tell your parents that you’ll be playing?" “Lying to my parents is difficult to do, however I will join.” William proudly replied. “Excellent! I’ll see you tomorrow for your first game!” The coach triumphantly said.

       The day of William’s first game has come and all William kept thinking about was winning his first basketball game. Throughout the game he made all his on net shots causing the crowd to go wild just like what he had imagine before. With 4 consecutive wins which includes the first game, his passion for basketball got stronger after each game that occurred.

       “You’re doing great, boy! Keep it up!” The coach expressed the proud he had for William. The 5^th friendly game was off and points were being made by both teams like lightning flashing in the sky. The opposing team found William as an astounding player and decided to have two players guard him at all times. Seconds before the game ended, William jumped high into the air getting ready to make his winning shot, but out of anger, the two opponents that were guarding William pushed him after one another. William landed on the hard wooden floor on his leg incorrectly. Being in plenty of pain, he was unable to stand up and was taken out of the game, although his shot was in like always; winning for the team. 

       The game was triumphant but there wasn’t any time for William to celebrate. Without delay, William was taken to the hospital to see his doctor about the painful swollen leg.

“I’m sorry to say, but you have a badly injured leg. I don’t think you’ll be able to play basketball throughout the whole season, my apologies.” The doctor calmly said.  “What? No, this can’t be happening! Basketball can’t be taken away from me!” William complained while panicking.

       Returned from the hospital, William came home and directly argued with his parents who dislike sports to be played by William. Basketball was William’s life and as a result he didn’t stop arguing with his parents. Hours after screaming his lungs off, his parents eventually threw the white flag. They promised William that they’ll support him as much as they could and a smile was put on William’s face.

       After recovering from the news he had heard and the winning argument he had with his parents, he came back to school while being supported with crutches. Without any hesitation, he headed straight to the gym and watched his former teammates play basketball. Tears slowly began flowing down his face and sadness filled his heart.

“Basketball, Basketball, Basketball. You know what William? You have to start playing again! Don’t ever give up!” He whispered to himself while wiping of the tears on his face. He directly went to the school counselor and requested help to strengthen his broken leg. The school counselor immediately helped him.

       One month and a half passed by quickly and at one point, William was seen with no crutches on and was walking perfectly fine around school. Just like always, he went to the gym and shot hoops.

“I’m genuinely proud of you, William! You stuck with your passion for basketball!” the coach said openly to William. “Thank you, coach! It’s a passion and will always be.” William answered while shooting hoops. The coach truly loved William and once again put him in the team. Only one game was left until the season ended, but William didn’t hesitate in anyway and won the final game for the entire team. He made himself proud and the whole school.