*October 20th 2064*
As the school bus approached the entrance of Charlie Queens Academy, Tosin couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Due to Tosin's condition, Sade had pleaded with the bus driver to give Tosin a lift which he agreed to. It was Tosin's first day in school since the game against the Rose Mary High School team and although she was eager to reunite with her classmates and teachers, the thought of navigating the hallway in a wheelchair was daunting
Taking a deep breath, Tosin looked down at her hands, which tightly gripping the wheels of her chair. She knew that her physical world had changed, but deep down, she was still the same determined and driven person she had always been
Tosin made her way into the school grounds, greeted by curious glances and warm smile from her peers. Soon, a familiar face ran to greet her, offering to help her to her class. It was Shalom.
"Hey Tosin, it's so good to see you back!" Shalom said, leaning to give her a gentle hug. She started pushing the wheelchair from behind "I'm sorry I couldn't come during and after your surgery. But I'm glad to see you again"
"It's fine. Don't worry about it" Tosin said
As they made their way to their class, it wasn't long before Tosin's friends gathered around them, offering words of encouragement and support
"Hi Tosin, it's so good to see you again." Tolu said, leaning down to give her a gentle hug
"Yeah, we've really missed you" Mercy said, her eyes conveying genuine happiness
Tosin couldn't help but smile, feeling grateful for the love and encouragement surrounding her, "Thanks, guys. It's great to be back," she replied
As the day went on, Tosin discovered new challenges in adapting to her temporary life on wheels. The once-simple task of moving between classes and climbing staircases became a demanding exercise, and navigating through crowded hallways proved to be a test of patience and assertiveness. Despite the difficulties, Tosin's unwavering spirits prevailed. She embraced the opportunity to grow and adapt, finding creative ways to approach her everyday tasks
Tosin's first day back at school had been filled with warm welcomes and heartfelt reunions. But as the day drew to a close, Tosin decided to watch the team train even though she couldn't train alongside them. But as she approached the gym, she couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that something was amiss. The once bustling basketball court was eerily quiet, and she hadn't seen her teammates since the classes ended
Driven by curiosity and concern, Tosin decided to see Mrs. Lawal. She wheeled her way to the staffroom, a million questions racing through her mind. She knocked tentatively on the door, and the coach's voice called out, inviting her in
"Coach, where is everyone? Why is the gym empty? Isn't there training today?" Tosin asked, worry etched on her face
The Coach looked up from her desk, sadness in her eyes. "The team hasn't been practicing for a while now, Tosin," she admitted, her voice heavy with disappointment
Tosin was stunned. She couldn't fathom why her teammates, who once shared her unwavering determination to be the best team in Nigeria, would suddenly abandon practice. "I don't understand Coach. What happened?" she asked
With a sigh, Mrs. Lawal proceeded to explain the series of events that led to the team's unraveling. Tosin listened to her coach's words in disbelief. The gravity of the situation hit Tosin hard as she struggled to come to terms with the thought of her once tight-knit team slowly falling apart.
"But… there has to be something we can do," she pleaded, her voice trembling with emotion. "We can't just give up!"
Mrs. Lawal sighed, her eyes reflecting a mix of disappointment and resignation. "I've tried talking to them, Tosin, but their spirits are broken. Losing to Rose Newton High School team that way was a major blow on the team's morale"
Tosin left the staffroom disappointed. As she wheeled slowly through the hallway, she couldn't help but remember the good and bad moment the team had together.
"No! I'm not gonna let it end like this!" She muttered
Determined to save the team and rekindle their love for the game, Tosin vowed to get to the bottom of the issue and bring her friends back together on the court where they belonged. She wheeled to meet Shalom to talk about how they can bring everyone back together again
"What do you mean it can't be helped?" Tosin asked
"Look. I understand how you feel and I feel the same way, but let's be honest here, we can't play basketball with only 2 people, can we?" Shalom asked
Tosin listened to Shalom's words, her heart sinking as the reality of the situation set in. She knew Shalom was right; a basketball team needed more than two players
"The other players have completely given up. They said that there is no point if they don't stand a chance against 5 basketball monsters." Shalom explained, sighing in disappointment, "Instead of wasting 6 years, repeating the same cycle of heartbreaks, they'd rather focus more on their studies"
"Geez" Tosin said
"Come on, girl. Let's go home" Shalom said as she pushed Tosin's wheelchair from behind
As the days wore on, the former Charlie Queens Academy Female Basketball team members found themselves with an abundance of free time that they had once dedicated to the sport they loved. At first, the newfound freedom felt like a welcome change, allowing them to explore other interest and activities. However, the novelty soon faded, and the emptiness left behind by the void of basketball in their life became increasingly apparent. The thrill of competition, the camaraderie of their teammates, and the satisfaction of honing their skills were now distant memories
Some tried to occupy themselves with other sports, while others focus on their studies. But nothing seemed to fill the void that basketball had left behind. They found themselves reminiscing about their time on the court, laughing at inside jokes and recounting their greatest moments together
Despite their growing longing for the game, the fear of facing teams with members of the Victorious Varsity lingered. The thoughts of competing against them, seemed insurmountable, and they struggled to admit their disbanding the team might have been a mistake
In Tolu's family house
Tolu laid in her bed facing the ceiling and tossing a basketball into the air and catching it repeatedly. Her movements becoming more agitated as she thought about the disbanded team. She couldn't shake off the feelings of disappointment and frustration at the timing of it all. Just when she had mustered all the courage to face her parents and convince them to let her rejoin the team, everything had come crashing down
"It's not fair," she mumbled to herself, her voice laced with frustration. "Why did this have to happen now? Why is this happening to us?"
As she continued to toss the ball, her mind raced with questions and doubts. She wondered if there was anything she could have done differently, or if the outcome was inevitable. The uncertainty and confusion weighed heavily on her, making her feel powerless and defeated
Folasade's house
Tosin sat in the living room; her eyes fixed on the T.V. A basketball game was broadcasted as she stared blankly. The weight of the disbanded team and her own injury felt like an insurmountable burden. Just as she was about to sink deeper into her gloomy thoughts, the doorbell rang, pulling her back to the present
"I'm coming," she said at the sound of the doorbell, struggling to get in her wheelchair
With a sigh, Tosin wheeled her way to the front door, opening it to reveal an unexpected visitor – Aisa. Tosin's eyes widened in surprise
"How did you locate this place? I don't remember giving you my address" Tosin asked
"Oh, yeah you didn't. I got it from Shalom" Aisa explained
"I see" Tosin said, "well, what brings you here?" She asked
"Well, I want to speak with you,." Aisa replied. "Do you have a minute?"
"Sure, come and sit down" Tosin said, wheeling back to her seat
"Tosin, let's go for a walk," Aisa suggested, "We can talk while we walk"
"Hah! Are you kidding?" Tosin said, "I can't walk!"
"Oh, sorry. I meant let's go out." Aisa said
"Is it really important?" Tosin asked
"Yeah, it is." Aisa replied, her expression turning serious
"Okay" Tosin said
As Aisa gently pushed Tosin's wheelchair along the street, the girls continued their conversation. Tosin, her curiosity piqued, pressed on
"Come on, Aisa," Tosin said, "You didn't come all this way just to push me around. What's on your mind?"
"Hmmmm….. can I ask you a question?" Aisa requested
"You just did." Tosin said
"Alright….. can I?" Aisa said
Tosin sighed. "Yeah, go ahead. I'm listening"
"How are you guys doing?" Aisa asked
"Pardon?" Tosin said
"I meant how is the team doing?" Aisa asked "I know this isn't my business but how are you guys really doing?"
"Oh… I see," Tosin sighed, sadness evident in her eyes, "Well, to be honest, we are not good. After the game against the Rose Newton High School, our team has had it tough"
"How do you mean?" Aisa asked
Tosin sighed, "the team is officially disbanded!"
"What?!" Aisa screamed; her eyes widened in disbelief
Tosin ground her teeth in frustration "I'm confused. I don't know what to do" she said, her face soaked in tears
"Hmmm. Must be hard on you. Their plays have the power to break people. The Victorious Varsity," Aisa said, her face a mask of pity.
Aisa continued to push Tosin. Few seconds later, Tosin was curious as she was wondering where they were going
"Where are you taking me?" Tosin asked
"You'll found out soon." Aisa replied
As Aisa pushed Tosin along the street, they happened upon a local basketball court where an intense street game was underway. Aisa slowly halted the wheelchair, gently applying the brakes as she leaned closer to Tosin
"Tosin, why do you like basketball?" Aisa asked suddenly
"Well, I haven't thought about it but…. it's fun," Tosin replied "You?"
"I'm sure my reason is strange but nothing can teach you about life better than basketball" Aisa said
"How do you mean?" Tosin asked
"Life is equivalent to hope. As long as there is life, there is hope" Aisa explained
"Sure, but what does that have to do with basketball?" asked Tosin
"In basketball, until the final buzzer sounds, anything can happen. Hence the final buzzer symbolizes death in basketball" Aisa explained
"I see" Tosin said
"There have been numerous instances in NBA history where teams have mounted unbelievable comebacks, overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds to achieve victory" said Aisa
"I see" Tosin said
"Tosin, I won't say you will surely succeed if you don't give up but if you do give up, there is nothing left," said Aisa
Tosin smiled "Thank you, Aisa. I needed that," she said
"You're welcome," said Aisa as she returned Tosin's smile, "now you have to get better soon so we can have our rematch"
With a new sense of purpose, the 2 girls made their way back home. Tosin's heart was now filled with hope and anticipation for the challenges that lay ahead.