//------------------------------// // Epilogue // Story: The Final Game of the Season // by Admiral Biscuit //------------------------------// The Final Game of the Season Admiral Biscuit It was the end of the volleyball season and almost the end of the school season–next week was finals, and then winter break. Already the school was decorated for the holidays, and outside the weather was cooperating as well: the ground was covered in a glittering blanket of snow, with more coming down. They hadn’t won the championship.  Even if the team had been whole, they probably wouldn’t have.  Sunset could envision a world where they had, but it would have taken a miracle. After her talk with Kerfuffle, the feelings of guilt had started to fade as their friendship rekindled.  Slowly at first, building as the team worked their way through the bracket. And now it was over. Almost over. Sunset shifted on the bench, idly scratching at her wrist.  They didn’t need this final practice, but the end-of-season pizza party had turned into an improvised pickup game, the pizzas cold and forgotten. She watched as Kerfuffle stood and took the court, took her place; she watched as the ball came over the net, an easy hit to the center of the field. The ball hung in the air, its motion seeming slow but inevitable.  Kerfuffle shifted her stance, got her arms down and popped it up; the entire team let out a breath they didn’t know they were holding as the game started to pick up pace. ••••• Kerfuffle didn’t stay on the court for long, but it was long enough to prove her point, to show that she could still play with a few more months of physical therapy—she’d be ready for her senior year. After they’d all showered and gotten dressed in their street clothes, Sunset and Kerfuffle were once again the last two of the team remaining behind. “You call your parents, or do you need a ride?” “Well.”  Kerfuffle picked up a slice of cold pizza and bit the end off.  “I haven’t called them yet. If it’s not too much trouble.” “Not at all.”