My eyes raised back to the net. "Father. If you really love me. If you have forgiven me, show me one more sign. Make my next ten shots in a row."

I listen, hoping my instincts will kick in, but all that is heard are the imagined judgments whispering from the crowd.

Silence returns a second time as the speaker and students are abruptly whisked away, and my soul feels again the gentle whisper to execute.

Splash. A flawless arc draws my gaze away from the rim to glance at my surroundings.

Being chased by my dad in a South German field, my feet gave way and I toppled into the angry red coals of a dying bonfire.

The car noticed my fear starting to build as I began restlessly shifting gears back and forth behind unhurried cars.