The Honest Kick

It was a bright Saturday at Parkside Field. The grass was short and tickly. The Rainbow Rockets stretched in their red shirts with yellow stars. Parents cheered and waved. A small dog wiggled on a leash.

Maya was the fastest Rocket. She had quick feet and a grin that grew when she ran. Jun loved to pass. Nia laughed and kept the ball close, like it was a friend. Theo guarded the goal with long arms. Coach Lila clapped and said, "Feet, heart, fun!"

Across the white lines stood the Green Tigers in stripey green. Their captain, Omar, bounced on his toes. Ref Sam blew his silver whistle. Tweeeet! "Game on!" he called.

The ball rolled to Maya. Tap tap, dribble, swing. Jun shouted, "I'm open!" Maya passed. Nia trapped. The Rockets moved like a red ribbon. They reached the goal. Maya kicked—thump! The ball flew.

Then—boop!—it brushed her hand as she tumbled. The ball rolled into the net.

Everyone cheered. "Goal!" Theo shouted. Maya's cheeks felt warm. She looked at her hand. She knew the rule. "We use feet, not hands." Her tummy felt wiggly. She looked at Coach Lila. Coach's eyes were steady and kind.

Maya stood up. She walked to Ref Sam. Her voice was small but clear. "It touched my hand," she said.

The field got quiet. Ref Sam nodded. "Thank you for telling me," he said. He pointed his arm. "No goal. Free kick for the Green Tigers."

Some people went, "Ohhh." Omar, the Tiger captain, smiled at Maya. "That was fair," he said. Coach Lila high-fived Maya. "Brave play," she said. Jun patted her shoulder. "We got you," he whispered.

The game began again. The Rockets passed and passed. "Feet, heart, fun!" Coach Lila called. Maya felt the wiggly feeling float away. Her steps felt lighter, like bubbles.

Omar dribbled fast. Theo dove and saved. Nia stole the ball with a giggle. Jun made a soft, clever pass. "Maya!" he called.

Maya ran, but this time she watched her feet. Tap tap. She looked for Nia. "Here!" Nia said. Maya sent the ball rolling to her like a present.

Nia kicked—thump! The ball curved past the goalie and kissed the net. "Goal!" shouted everyone. The score was 1-1 now. Both teams clapped for the pretty shot.

There was not much time left. The sun made little diamonds on the grass. The Rockets and Tigers were puffing and smiling. It felt like a good race.

Ref Sam held up his fingers. "One minute!" he called. Omar dribbled, Jun blocked. The ball popped to Maya. She could shoot. She could be the hero.

She lifted her head. She saw Theo waving from the back, and Nia free on the side. Maya grinned. "Team!" she said to herself. She passed to Nia, and Nia zipped it to Jun.

Jun took a big breath and kicked. The ball bumped the post—bonk!—and rolled along the line. It did not go in. The whistle blew. Tweeeet!

The game was a draw. 1-1. The teams lined up and slapped hands. "Good game!" "Good game!" Omar bumped knuckles with Maya. "Honest play," he said. Maya bumped knuckles back. "Thanks," she said.

Under the shady tree, Coach Lila handed out orange slices. Juice dripped and everyone laughed. "Today was my favorite," Theo said. "Me too," Jun said. Nia nodded. "That pass was perfect, Maya."

Maya took a bite and tasted sunshine. Inside, she felt calm and light. Her honest words had been like a good kick—straight and true. She looked at her team. Her grin grew as wide as the field.

And when they packed up, the Rockets started a new cheer. "Feet!" called Coach Lila. "Heart!" shouted the team. "Fair!" they all sang together. It sounded like soccer. It sounded like them.