Chapter 1 The Future Star

Ethan Carter stood at the edge of the track, his heart pounding in rhythm with the cheers from the stands. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the field, but he hardly noticed. His focus was razor-sharp. This was his moment.

The 100-meter dash. His race. His territory.

"Alright, Ethan, you know the drill," Coach Reynolds said, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "This isn't just about speed. It's about control, precision, and execution."

Ethan nodded, stretching his legs one last time. He had spent years preparing for moments like these. Late-night training sessions, grueling weightlifting routines, endless drills-it had all led to this. Scouts from top colleges were in the stands, their eyes locked onto him. One race could change his life.

As he stepped onto the starting block, his teammates cheered from the sidelines. Among them was Jake, his best friend since childhood, pumping his fist in encouragement. "Let's go, Carter! Show 'em what you got!"

Ethan smirked, rolling his shoulders. He lived for this. The competition. The rush. The feeling of being unstoppable.

The official raised the starting pistol. "Runners, on your marks..."

Ethan crouched, planting his feet firmly.

"Get set..."

His muscles coiled like springs, ready to explode.

Bang!

The gun fired, and Ethan burst forward, his body moving purely on instinct. The world around him blurred as he focused on one thing-the finish line. He was flying.

For the first 50 meters, he was neck and neck with two other runners. But then, like always, something clicked. His legs moved faster. His breathing stayed steady. The track beneath him seemed to disappear.

He surged ahead, crossing the finish line a full step before the others. The stadium erupted in cheers.

Ethan straightened, chest heaving, and turned to the scoreboard. 10.27 seconds. A new state record.

"Yes!" He threw his arms into the air as his teammates rushed toward him.

Coach Reynolds shook his head, grinning. "That was incredible, Ethan. You just put yourself on every recruiter's radar."

Ethan wiped sweat from his brow, grinning. "I told you, Coach. I was born for this."

Pressure of Expectations

Later that night, as Ethan sat at the dinner table with his family, his father, Richard Carter, flipped through a sports magazine featuring an article about him.

"This right here," his father said, tapping the page, "is why we pushed you so hard, son. This is why we made all those sacrifices."

Ethan nodded, feeling the weight of expectation settle on his shoulders. His father had once been a promising athlete himself, but injuries had cut his career short. Now, all his dreams seemed to rest on Ethan's success.

"I know, Dad," Ethan said. "I won't let you down."

His mother, Melissa, gave him a small smile. "Just remember to take care of yourself, honey. You're more than just an athlete."

Ethan barely heard her. His mind was already on his next training session.

The Hidden Struggles

Despite the cheers, the recognition, and the excitement, Ethan sometimes felt an unsettling emptiness creeping in. It was a feeling he didn't like to acknowledge.

His entire identity was built on his athletic success. But what would he be without it?

He shook off the thought. He would never have to find out. He was going pro. Nothing could stop him.

Or so he thought.