"Hey Jesse, it's almost time to hit the track," Samantha called out, approaching from behind. "Hey girl, what's going on? You look like you're in La-La Land. Earth to Jesse."

"Yeah, sorry," Jesse replied, her voice laced with worry. "Damion's not here yet. He's always here by now to give me his famous pep talk."

"Maybe football practice ran late tonight," Samantha offered, though she knew that wasn't the case-several of the players were already there, freshly showered and cheering on their girlfriends.

"Nice try, Sam, but Tiffany's boyfriend is already here," Jesse said, her concern deepening.

"Well, J, you said his mom's been acting up lately. Maybe she didn't let him leave after practice," Samantha suggested, trying to redirect Jesse's focus.

"Yeah, you're probably right," Jesse sighed, forcing a shaky breath as she headed toward the track.

"Okay, girls, into your positions. We're about to start," Coach Lindsay called out.

Jesse lined up, muscles tensed, eyes ahead. But something didn't feel right. She couldn't name it-just a tightness in her chest, a flicker of dread. She pushed it down and took off running.

Five feet in, her legs buckled.

She collapsed.

"Shit! Jesse!" Samantha screamed, rushing over with the coaches close behind, panic scrawled across her face.