77 Just Supporting Him...

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~~~(POV: Hannah Fiona)~~~

~~~(Date: November 4th, 2025)~~~

~~~(Time: 10:32 AM)~~~

~~~(Location: Inside Ulysses's room, Holden, Oregon)~~~

My eyes are heavy as I try to open one, and the crust from sleep prevents an easy opening. My arms are firmly wrapped around Ulysses, and I feel like a child sleeping next to him. I don't think I'll ever get fully used to the size difference, but it's something I love about him. I lift my head and look towards my phone on his bedside table.

I reach across him and pick it up, checking the time in the process. It's a little past 10:30, which means I've slept around 3 hours. Ulysses holds me closers as I have my body hanging over his, and I can't help turning to jelly as he presses me against his hard body. While his pajamas shirt is in the way, I still feel them clearly. It's a pleasant feeling.

My phone lightly clicks as I turn it off and place it back on the bedside table. Laying my head and body on Ulysses's chest. My ear is listening to the perfect beat of his heart. His conditioning is so good, and his heart rate is even and calm. My thoughts drift to the accident, and a shallow hollow feeling spreads in my chest.

All the parents and friends of Holdens basketball team are devastated right now... I can't imagine what every mother and father is going through... A child that is the Center of their worlds has died... A tragic accident that indicates a deep depression is coming to Holden, and I'm not leaving Ulysses's side until he's ready, and I'll know when he is.

~~~(POV: Ellie)~~~

~~~(Date: November 4th, 2025)~~~

~~~(Time: 10:46 AM)~~~

~~~(Location: Inside home watching TV, Holden, Oregon)~~~

Yesterday's accident has become a nationwide subject of discussion, and while I like watching ESPN for the single purpose of talking about Ulysses. What they're talking about today makes me want to scream. The current man talking is Stephen A. Smith, and he's talking to a guest by the name of Shaquille O'Neal. Arguably the greatest Center to ever play Basketball.

They're holding a moment of silence as a list of pictures and names are shown of Holden's basketball team... Of Ulysses's friends... "This is a tragic day for not only Holden Oregon but for basketball as a whole." Stephen A. is starting a monologue to convey a sense of loss or hurt, and I respect his attempt to show feelings.

A part of me is thankful that Ulysses's survived, a giant part of me really... That helps ease the pain I feel for all the other parents in Holden... That's what makes me feel bad... "Many young talented men have lost their lives, but a team member is still alive thanks to riding home with his girlfriend instead of going with the team..." His voice is somber, and his fingers are interlocked.

Ulysses is worth hundreds of millions to owners around the league, and while he won't get paid that immediately, it's obvious, that he'll be worth that much once his rookie contract is up. "Ulysses Kennedy decided to ride home with his girlfriend after a spectacular performance against Franklin high school... Unknowingly saving his life..." I resent that they're making this about Ulysses...

This should be about the kids that lost their lives... It hurts seeing this. "Not to diminish the loss that Holden High School has suffered, and I hope that Ulysses and all the families affected come out of this healthy and strong." He makes a quick save, and it's rather elegant in his tone. Shaquille stays quiet as the camera zooms in on him.

He's one of the only people on the planet taller than Ulysses, and he's one of several role models that Ulysses has. "This is something that you never expect and are never prepared for... It reminds me of when Kobe passed. I've decided to donate 1,000,000 dollars to each of the families affected by this. I know it won't bring your kids back, but I hope it helps in some way." That's sweet.

He's right in saying that it won't bring back the kids, and he's trying to help in any way he can. "I want to say something to Ulysses if he sees this or is watching this... You have to come out stronger from this. You have to bright a future to let this drag you down. Let it be your fuel to win." I have to turn off the TV. Ulysses won't be playing Basketball until the NBA now.

His team is gone, and the basketball season for Holden is over, and now Ulysses can only wait for the draft... He's going to be healing in this time, and I have no doubt he'll train harder than ever once he's rested. As much as I hate it, Shaquille O'Neal is right... Ulysses will come back strong from this... It's who he is... His friend's memories are on the line to him... I know that's what he'll think.