WHISTLE!
As soon as the whistle blew, all cheering and distractions stopped. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the ball the referee tossed into the air. Max and Atlas, standing in front of each other, bent their knees, their eyes locked on the ball.
Both men jumped as high as they could, but it was clear that Max's jumping ability was superior. He soared like a massive wave, his shadow overlapping Atlas's body.
For Max, time seemed to slow down as his mind raced with thoughts while he reached for the ball.
'Should I take it? Pass it? Hold it? Pass it?'he wondered repeatedly, knowing Hugo was there, ready to steal the ball if Max didn't secure full possession.
His heart thudded nervously, afraid that one wrong decision could lead to the team's failure. Max might still be confident, but he wasn't as naïve as he was twelve years ago. In the end, he clenched his teeth and grabbed the ball, holding it securely as his feet landed on the floor.
