Chapter One: The Last Light

“Right!” Jianxia shouted. Wei Lan dived to her right. The ball struck her palm and flew wide. The final whistle blew. The Harbor Falcons had won one-nil. The players buried Wei Lan under a joyous pile. Their screams seemed capable of lifting the roof. Coach Xu gripped Jianxia’s hand, then turned away to wipe her eyes. Qiao Ran crossed through the crowd, sweat darkening her hair. “How did you know she’d go right?” “Her planted foot.” “Pointed left.” Jianxia met her eyes. Qiao Ran had noticed. She was certain of it. “I guessed.” Qiao Ran did not press. She handed Jianxia a bottle of water. “Good guess, Analyst Lin.” The team left to celebrate at Qiao Ran’s noodle shop. Jianxia stayed behind to process the match footage.