August 9, 2010 – Evening
Location: Local park basketball court golden hour
The sun was low, casting a gentle amber light over the half-court. The chain net jingled faintly with the breeze. The concrete beneath their shoes was warm from the fading heat of the day.
Ethan Albarado stood at the free throw line, breathing steadily. His shirt clung to him with sweat, but his expression was relaxed. He had just wrapped up a private evening drill session not for himself this time, but for someone else.
Across from him, catching her breath and wiping her forehead with her sleeve, was Charlotte Graves, older sister of Lucas, and easily one of the most quietly determined people he'd trained lately.
She straightened, letting her basketball roll away as she stepped closer.
"Thanks for the training you did for me," Charlotte said softly, eyes flicking up to meet his.
Ethan blinked, then gave a small smile, the kind that barely tugged at the corners of his mouth.
