The silent goodbye

THE START OF SOMETHING EXTORDINARY

Carly was just an ordinary Year 7 girl—quiet, modest, and perfectly content staying invisible at school. She didn't talk much to anyone except her best friend, Bella, who had been by her side for as long as she could remember.

That afternoon felt like any other... until she walked through the front door.

"Carly," her father said the moment she stepped inside, "you'll be playing volleyball."

"What..." Carly blinked at him.

"I think you'll really love it," her mom, Elise, added with a bright smile.

"Seriously? You too? What is going on? I know nothing about volleyball, and you're just making me go to some class?" Carly's voice cracked with disbelief.

"Yes," her dad said proudly. "Your first class is tomorrow. Get ready."

"Fine..." she muttered.

She dragged herself to her room, feeling exhausted and strangely betrayed. Her chest tightened with a mix of nerves and irritation. Why were they suddenly so invested in her doing... sports?

The next morning, she woke up tired—and then remembered. Volleyball. Great.

She got dressed slowly, hoping maybe the universe would cancel the day. No luck. When she came downstairs, she froze. Her parents were actually sitting at the dining table, waiting for her. They were never home this early.

"What's going on?" Carly asked cautiously.

Her parents exchanged excited looks. "Nothing, dear," her mom said. "We're just waiting for you so we can all pray."

"Pray? Since when do we pray?"

Tyler chuckled. "Since today. Today is a very special day, right?"

Carly felt the conversation drifting toward volleyball again and quickly changed the subject. "Oh—yeah. Totally."

"What's for breakfast?"

"Pork and potatoes. Your favorite," her mom said.

"Right..." Carly mumbled, still suspicious.

As they ate, her dad launched into stories about his volleyball days—tournaments, trophies, victories. Carly rolled her eyes so hard it almost hurt.

"You know, Carly," he said proudly, "you're going to be just like me. Amazing at it. Winning tournaments."

"Dad, stop," she groaned. "I haven't even gone to the class yet. Chill."

"I'm just saying you'll be like your father," he insisted.

Her mom watched them with amusement, though something in her eyes hinted at guilt.

Finally, breakfast ended, and Carly escaped to school. The moment she arrived, she rushed to Bella's locker.

"Hey, Bells."

"Hey, girl," Bella said, shutting her locker. "You look stressed. Spill."

"I have news," Carly sighed.

"Oh, I've been waiting for this. Come on."

"So... my dad wants me to go to volleyball classes."

Bella stared. "The hell? Why all of a sudden?"

"I have no idea."

next part next friday