Location: Oak Hill Academy Gym
Time: 7:50 AM
Date: July 16, 2010 – Thursday
Three days had passed.
Ethan Albarado stood near the edge of the basketball court, wiping sweat off his forehead with his wrist. The sound of sneakers sliding on the polished wood, basketballs bouncing, and teammates talking filled the morning gym. The team was already halfway into warmups.
But something felt off.
He looked around.
Lucas was working on his shooting.
Louie was stretching.
Evan, Aiden, Josh, Ryan—they were all moving, talking, breathing.
Except one.
(Brandon's still not here.)
Ethan stepped forward and spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear.
"Where's Brandon?"
Everyone stopped. Lucas looked at the others, then slowly shook his head at Ethan.
"It's been three days," Ethan said, looking serious. "He hasn't been at school or training."
The rest of the team looked at each other, unsure of what to say.
