Chapter 42 : Frustration

*Asher*

It’s pouring rain today, so Coach keeps us inside for practice. We spend the time on the weights, each of us having been given a schedule from the fitness trainer. It’s a nice, easy day, in my opinion. Sometimes, coming off the field and doing the basics again is nice. It reminds me of high school.

In the off-season, my buddies and I would hit the school’s weight room together, goofing off while also doing what we needed to do for our specific positions on the team. Lifting weights and having someone spot me on the bench brings a genuine warmth to me. Currently, I’m standing behind Mark as he lifts his bar.

“So, what are you doing to kill time on your days off?” I ask my buddy.

“Sleeping,” he grunts, thrusting the bar up into the air with all his might. “Also got an invite from some friends to go out one night.”

“Sounds nice,” I respond. “Guess it’s been a while. We’ve been non-stop for weeks; I honestly just lost track of time.”

Mark replaces the bar on the rungs, sittin