Jordan went out into the backyard, the sun hovering languidly overhead as if it didn't know what time it was. The warm air tousled his hair, and the smell of newly cut grass filled the air. The sky was blue. A great day for volleyball. His younger sister Mina was in the center of the yard, hands on her hips, a smug smile on her face.wearing shorts and an untucked T-shirt way and short heel shoes from volleyball uniforms, but seemingly eager to learn.
"Let's go. Teach me already."
"Where is Mom and Jace?" Jordan asked because he didn't see she and Jace in the house.
"They went to the market an hour ago. Mom told me to tell you, but I forgot," she remarked breezily, tossing her hair back. "So, we're alone."
Jordan nodded, still holding the ball in one hand. He spun the ball once he looks at Mina, now solemn. "But if I hadn't taken another shot at volleyball… would you have still approached me with this?"
Mina blinked, clearly flabbergasted. "What's with all these wacky questions?"
"Just answer it."
She folded her arms, frowning. "No. I wouldn't have. You instructed everyone never to mention volleyball again. Not even as a joke. So… I figured it'd be futile to ask."
"But if you were finished with volleyball why do you still keep the posters?" Mina asked. "Why do you keep the ball? The shoes? If you were finished with the sport completely… why do you keep anything?"
Jordan shook his head, his expressionless face unchanging. "I don't know. It's just something." He said as he rubbed the back of his neck
He gripped the ball tighter. He had to tell her it was because volleyball was all he had. That the game took all from him and returned it too late. But that was something Mina did not need to hear right now.
"Try me." said Mina
He laughed brutally. "Maybe part of me didn't want to release, even when I told her I did."
Mina didn't push. She bounced up once on her heels. "So are you gonna teach me or not, emotional boy?"
"Yeah, yeah." Jordan grinned and waved at the empty area in the yard. "Alright. Let's start with the fundamentals. First things first stance, Serving, and passing
"That's like… everything," Mina complained.
"It's not. And if you want that boy's attention, you better play like a serious player."
She clenched her eyes. "You're enjoying yourself, aren't you?"
"Absolutely." he said, moving towards her. "Volleyball isn't just about banging the ball. It's about control, balance, anticipating the game before it reaches you. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Weight on the balls of your feet. Not your heels."
Mina reset, mimicking him.
"Good. Now arms out, ready to receive. Imagine a serve coming to you. You want to create a platform with your forearms." He moved her hands slightly. "Fingers locked, arms straight. Don't swing, just angle."
"Like this?"
"Almost. Lock your elbows. Yeah, there. That's better."
She grinned. "Wow. I already feel like a real volleyball player."
"Don't get ahead of yourself," Jordan teased. "We haven't even touched the ball yet."
He bounced it once on the grass. The thud was light, soft. "Next, we practice passing. I'll throw it. Don't hit it hard. Just a little arc my way."
"Got it!"
He underhand-threw the ball gently to her. Mina winced and jerked her arms stiffly, the ball bouncing off her wrist and flying off sideways.
"Yikes," she grunted.
Jordan grinned. "Not bad for the first time. But don't swing. The ball's not the enemy except when it's a spike."
He picked it up once more and tossed it. "Let the ball come to you. Position your arms and guide it."
Mina remained steady this time. The ball bounced off her arms and rolled back towards Jordan, landing a few feet short.
"There we go!" he cried, genuinely impressed. "Nice and easy. Now again."
They repeated it again, Jordan having to adjust her position, reminding her of what the System had taught him in the dream world.
Jordan muttered to himself, repeating the words of wisdom. "Use your legs, not your arms. Think of the ball like an egg. You don't want it to crack."
Mina looked at him quizzically. "Odd metaphor, but okay."
"Yea I got that from dad"
They did another twenty minutes, slowly progressing to tosses and simple footwork drills. Jordan kept the drills simple basic stuff but still important.
Mina's forehead oozed sweat as she huffed. "Okay… I didn't know this would be this tiring."
"That's volleyball," Jordan said. "Doesn't seem hard until you're the one playing it."
After nearly an hour, they sat in the shade of the back porch. Mina was sweaty and panting, "You did good," he said, holding out some water. "Better than I thought, honestly."
"Wow. Thanks for the compliment with a slap."
He smiled and sat down beside her, the ball between them, Jordan was tired also.
Jordan slowly realizes that this was not a dream. Nor memory. He was here. Teaching his sister the same way dad taught him. He was in the game again though it was only backyard practice.
He rested his head against the grass.
He smiled.
Mina looked at him. "Why are you smiling like that?"
"Nothing. Just remembered something."
"From when you used to play?"
He nodded slowly.
"You really enjoyed it, huh?"
Jordan sent her a look. "I still do."
Mina looked at him. "I'm glad your retrying the volleyball."
"Yea me too"