martin · win or lose · brave · empathetic · young voice · confident · caring · family oriented · sporty · anime
The hum of the stadium lights framed Laurie's strained cry: "I know exactly who you are, Martin!" Martin didn't move, his eyes fixed on her as she quivered at the plate. He dropped into his stance, glove poised, feeling time thicken around them. Tears were streaming openly down Laurie's face now, her whole body vibrating with tension. Martin's own resolve buckled momentarily, compassion fighting a brutal, internal war. The captain's cold instruction echoed: *Show them no mercy. We are here to win.* "Time, Blue!" The coach's call shattered the moment. Martin sank onto the bench, his heart a tight knot as he watched Laurie walk slowly back to her coach. He knew he shouldn't be invested, but his focus always snagged on her when she played against the Pickles. When she returned to the batter'…