notes on essay

salt droplets run down laras cheeks like tiny rivers leaving a glistening sheen on her skin

taste of sweat lingers on lips

feet struggle to get up

muffled snickers grating on ears like nails on a chalkboard

malice in their eyes, the wooden and sterile smell fo the floors in her nostrils while her face came in contact with the hard surface

squeak of shoes

the steady beat of the ball bouncing off the floor with a hollow echo

players yelling pass

muffled by the blood pounding on her head

one unnerving thought

cold metal pressed onto her skin

her body melted into the hard exterior

buried her face in her hands

corner of her eye spots a teddy bear

a forgotten memory flashes across her mind

the sound of the court replaced by quiet hum of the fan

the pungent smell of sweat and leather dissipated AS scent of fabric

teddy bear softness comforts

memory hits lara like a hammer

her mothers words ring loud and clear

newfound energy, each stride radiating confidence and poise

overhead light illuminated her fierce and passionate eyes

deep breath meets the taunting eyes of teammates

bumpy leather of the ball