Her lips wavered as they spread into a smile, but she nodded, jogging back out just as the whistle blew. She lined up with where the ball would be thrown to the holder, taking her two signature steps back and to the left. Then, her eyes found mine. And even through the metal bars of her helmet, I saw the words come to life on her lips. I love you, too. The ball was snapped. She kicked. And I held my breath as I watched it sail.
