The fan circled around, around, around. 

The pull chain tap, tap, tapped in the breeze. 

I tugged the blanket to my chin and stretched the length of the sofa.

Just for a moment. 

After a steamy shower to wash away a morning spent weeding and fighting bamboo, the sofa welcomed me. Annabelle and Lucy curled near my feet and dozed. They too spent a busy morning in the hot backyard.

“A quick game of two on three,” Coach Graham tosses a ball my direction. Anita, Carrie, Annette and other junior high friends join in, quickly choosing sides. With each cut and screen and pivot, Converse shoes squeak against the shiny court. The ball echoes with every bounce pass. The gym air is forever saturated with the smell of salted popcorn and floor wax. 

I jump, but the ball soars over my head and into the empty bleachers.  

Coach blows the whistle ending practice.

Ending my nap.

Two hours later?

talya

Musical Pairing:

Harlem Globetrotter Song