lunch, caitlin clark

35 | 0 weeks before

unedited and filled with drama

It's the fourth quarter and we're getting killed. There's eight minutes left on the clock and while we're still kind of hanging in, it's clear that we're slipping.

Coach took me out at the beginning of the fourth so that I could get my energy back up. In chugging my gatorade in hopes of catching my breath at the same time.

Jada is by my side trying to get me to stop chugging for my air and calm down. My breaths are rapid and I feel the start of a panic attack.

Usually Paige or Caitlin can calm me down but right now Caitlin is on the court. Coach glances at me with worry and I just shake my head.

She comes over to me and squats in front of me.

"Walter's. Are you okay? If you need something let me know. This is a game but you're messing with your life right now. If you need something tell me."

"Cait."

She knows which one I'm talking about and nods her head and goes to stand. She catches the refs attention and calls for a timeout.

The team runs for the bench and Caitlin immediately sees that something is up with me.

She sits beside me and leans into me.

"Willow, baby. I need you to take a deep breath for me." I try to. I really do, but I can't even it out.

"I. Can't." I pant out.

She puts her hand on my knee and squeezes it.

"Look around here." My eyes scan the building. "What are two things that you see. Big things."

"Uh. Uh. I see that chick over there. Popcorn spilled on her."

"Good. One more."

"I see. I see Gabbie making funny face at me."

We look at her and I huff out a laugh.

"Now name something you smell."

"Your perfume." I love her perfume.

My breathing is more even and I feel fine now. Just tired from playing this game.

"Thanks Cait."

"Of course."

I kiss her cheek and she grins to the point her dimple pops out. We stand and Coach nods her head at us.

"I'm good coach."

"Alright girls. We're good out there. You need to get out of your heads though. Each and every one of you can play better than this. It's your game so just go out there and play it. Have fun with it. That's how this sport should be."

I sub back in and I feel alright. A little stressed that I just had a panic attack. I'm not embarrassed though. When you're an athlete things like that can happen a lot.

Kate passes the ball into me and I take the ball down the court. Caitlin is supposed to make a fast and hard cut for me to pass her the ball. There's been an opening for this the entire time.

We do what we're supposed to and I throw the ball to her for an easy layup.

The gap is 4 and I know if we even let up for a second that they're going to put a major lead between us. We can't let that happen.

I know what I need to do on this play but I don't know if I have the energy for it. Really I need to draw a charge. But getting body slammed is something that I don't want to do.

I will for the team though.

Kamilla gets the ball and is trying to push me out of the way so when I see her arm going I just let it take me to the floor. Honestly I hit the ground pretty hard and I hear the crowd gasp.