Brian wipes sweat from his brow and grins at Matt, who is struggling to zip up his backpack. "Man, I'm starving. Why did Coach run us so hard today?" "Probably because he heard you skipped warm-ups again," Matt teases, nudging his friend playfully.

Brian glances at the shortcut that leads past Matt's neighbor's house, where a glimmering blue pool beckons invitingly. "Hey, remember when we used to jump into the Smiths' pool after practice? Bet you can't beat me there," "Oh, you're on," Matt laughs, taking off in a sprint.

Matt tosses his bag aside and toes the edge of the pool, the cool water lapping at his feet. "Last one in has to buy slushies!" Brian shouts, cannonballing into the pool with a splash so big it drenches the patio.

"Dude, these singlets are not made for swimming," Matt jokes, wringing water from his shoulder strap. "Yeah, but you look like a superhero," Brian fires back, splashing him again.

"We should do this every week," Matt says quietly, staring up at the sky. "Deal. But next time, you’re definitely buying the slushies," Brian replies, both boys laughing as the night settles in.