Chapter Three: Ninety-Seven Yards

Only sixty percent of Harbor Stadium's seats were filled for the first preseason game. Yet forty thousand voices still hit Kai's face mask like surf when he ran from the tunnel. His gift caught only fragments from nearby teammates. The crowd was too distant; its hopes and jeers remained ordinary noise. For once, Kai was grateful. Marcus played the first quarter, completing nine of twelve passes for eighty-seven yards. The numbers looked clean, but no throw traveled beyond fifteen yards. Whenever a play called for a deep ball to the right, he checked down or handed off. As Marcus passed the sideline, Kai heard: *Survive until the endorsement signs. Five more days.*