Sam nervously scanned the yard, unsure whether to approach the group playing basketball. He tugged at his backpack straps, wishing for a friendly face.
Jordan, always smiling and full of energy, bounced a ball in his hands. Catching sight of Sam, he waved enthusiastically.
"Hey, want to help me get the ball rolling on a game?"
Sam hesitated, but Jordan's easygoing nature made joining in seem like no sweat. Soon, Sam was dribbling, passing, and laughing with the others, his earlier anxiety forgotten.
"I thought this would be tough, but it’s actually no sweat with you around," he admitted, grinning.
"If we want to win, we’ve got to go the full distance," Jordan declared, pumping his fist.
Sam nodded, feeling the support of his friend give him confidence. The final moments of the game demanded teamwork and trust.
Sam and Jordan exchanged high-fives, their smiles brighter than the afternoon sun.
"We really went the full distance, didn’t we?"
"No sweat when we work together," Jordan replied.
Sam sat with Jordan on the steps, sharing stories and dreams. The challenges of the game felt small compared to the bond they had forged.
"Thanks for getting the ball rolling. I’m glad we went the full distance together,"
"Next time, let’s try something new. No sweat, right?"
Sam smiled, feeling braver than ever before. Friendship, he realized, was the greatest victory of all.
