The Playbook

The story of Max — told in comic panels. No spoilers... well, maybe a few.

Act 1: The Ride

Max on the school bus with the team
Max jumped onto the big yellow school bus and squeezed into the seat next to Charles Collins.

"Max! Ready for the big game?"

— Charles Collins

"You know it! I'm gonna be the fastest tee runner ever!"

— Max

Act 2: Game Time

The stadium at sunset — lights flickering on
The bright stadium lights flickered on as the sun dipped below the horizon. This was his favorite place in the whole wide world.
Max, determined face
He was determined to be the fastest tee runner ever.
Max sprinting across the field
He was fast — so fast!

Act 3: SPLAT!

Max falls — SPLAT!
One moment, he was flying across the field and the next — SPLAT!
Max running off the field as the crowd laughs
The players, the cheerleaders, even the referees — everyone saw it. He just wanted to disappear.
Dad puts his arm around Max
His dad gave him a reassuring pat on the back, but Max barely felt it.

That night, he lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, still cringing at the memory.

Act 4: The Fist Bump

Charles and teammates burst into Max's kitchen
"Morning, Max!" Charles's deep voice boomed as he stepped inside with a few teammates in tow. Max froze.

"Hey... I miss kicks sometimes. We all mess up. But you got back up. That's what matters."

— J.D.

Everyone together in the kitchen, laughing
Maybe he hadn't been the fastest tee runner ever — but he was still part of the team. Fall or no fall.

Fall or no fall.
You're still part of the team.

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