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Infinity PRIDE Saga: MIND

What should I pick?

I’m really having a torn decision about these.

I need to choose carefully, we’re talking about my future here!

Should I choose basketball or volleyball? The semestral tryout results just came out last week and turns out, I’m qualified to join the basketball team or the volleyball team for my application for a varsity scholarship. I love them both, so why should I choose between them?

I didn’t know it was this hard to decide.

My friends were no help either, split between the decision as well.

Fortunately, it’s Sunday.

I still have the whole day to decide before passing the application form tomorrow. I sat on our terrace to clear my mind and have some fresh air, maybe it can help me decide. I found Papa there drinking coffee. I sat in front of him silently and for a straight minute, I just stared at the floor until Papa’s deep voice snapped me out of my deeper thoughts. 

He asked if I was alright. I didn’t answer immediately, then followed by a not-so-assuring nod. But he knew me well and sat beside me.

“You know you can tell me if something is bothering you, right?”

“Yeah Pa, it’s just my varsity scholarship. I’m supposed to submit an application form tomorrow but—”

“But you didn’t qualify? Oh son you know we’re still proud of you no matter what right, me and Mama.”

“Yes, but it’s not really the problem, it’s actually the opposite.”

“Oh, I see. But I’m still proud of you anyway, just twice as proud this time,” we both laugh. “So, where did you get in?”

I told Pa the truth. 

What I feel when I’m inside the court. Playing with my heart in mind. Dribbling and setting the ball felt the same but different at the same time, protecting it while handling it with care. On the other hand, shooting the ball and spiking it is a whole different thing but the passion within me remains equal.

I love the thrill and excitement of playing volleyball. but isn’t basketball the go-to? Plus, if I keep going, I’ll be continuing my family’s legacy.

Papa smiled because I was really thinking it through, but he said I didn’t need to cloud my mind with all these thoughts. I just need to listen to my heart’s desire.

He told me a story when he was in high school. His high school crush played basketball, which inspired him to get himself into sports. With that, Papa confessed— they became lovers. Here’s the crazy part: they got married and became his wife and the mother of their three children.

“Wait, Mama’s a basketball player in high school?”

He laughed because I have the same expression as my two older brothers when they learnt about it.

“It’s not just about the ‘thrill’ or ‘norms.’ It’s about choosing your passion and the path you won’t regret someday. So, have you decided yet?”

“Yes, Thank you, Pa.”

by Jedd Britanico