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Inside the brightly lit school gymnasium after practice, Edward with drooping white hair walks off the polished wooden court clutching a basketball while two teammates gently pat his back.
Edward loved basketball more than anything. But this season, he missed many shots. His white hair drooped as he walked off the court. His teammates patted his back, but Edward felt sad. Maybe I should quit, he thought. After practice, Edward grabbed his basketball and walked to the outdoor court near his house. The empty court felt lonely.
On the neighborhood outdoor basketball court at sunset, Mr.Han with short brown hair releases a smooth jump shot toward the metal hoop. Edward stands near the free-throw line clutching the other ball, head lowered but listening.
At the outdoor court, Edward saw a man shooting hoops. The man had short brown hair and a friendly smile. "Hello! I'm Mr. Han," he said warmly. "I saw you playing today. You have good form!" Edward looked down. "But I keep missing." Mr. Han bounced the ball to him. "Don't give up. Want to practice together?" Edward nodded slowly. "Okay."
Under warm late-afternoon sunlight on the outdoor court, Edward bends his knees and releases a focused jump shot toward the rim. Nearby, Mr.Han smiles and gestures upward, offering encouragement.
Every day after school, Edward met Mr. Han at the court. "Bend your knees more," Mr. Han coached. "Follow through with your wrist." Edward practiced the same shot over and over. Sometimes he missed, but he kept trying. Day by day, his shots got better. His confidence grew like a plant in sunshine. At school practice, his teammates noticed. "Nice shot, Edward!" they cheered.
Inside the packed arena under bright evening lights, Edward jumps from the three-point line, wrist flicked as the ball arcs toward the net. In the front row, Mr.Han stands clapping and smiling proudly.
The championship game was tied with seconds left. Edward's coach called his name. "Edward, you're in!" His heart pounded as he ran onto the court. A teammate passed him the ball. Edward remembered Mr. Han's advice. He bent his knees, aimed, and shot. Swish! The ball sailed through the net. The crowd roared! Edward looked up and saw Mr. Han smiling and clapping. Edward smiled back, proud and happy.
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