One day there was this kid named Xayden. Xayden went to the park one day and wanted to shoot some basketball. There was one issue though, he wasn’t very good at basketball. In fact Xayden wasn’t good at all. Some other guys saw him missing and started laughing at him. They made fun of him and started calling him names. When they left, a kid named Blaise went over to Xayden and asked him if he wanted help to get better at basketball. Xayden was lit up with joy and immediately said yes! Xayden did some drills with Blaise and started making his shots. After working with Blaise almost every shot seemed to go Xaydens way. The next day, the same guys that were making fun of Xayden came back to the park. Xayden wanted to show them how good he was, so he asked them if they wanted to play a game. Xayden was obliterating them , doing behind the back, in between the legs, shooting threes, layups, and making all of them! Xayden and Blaise ended up winning and one of the guys even ran away. The other guy couldn’t except defeat and said “ Well…well… I’m still better than you!”. Xayden became a great basketball player.

In Another’s Shoes

Xayden, an Asian boy, looking frustrated while holding a basketball on a park court. Grover, a blonde boy, and Sam, standing nearby, pointing and laughing.

Xayden bounced the basketball nervously at the park court. The twelve-year-old Asian boy loved basketball but couldn't seem to make a single shot. Each attempt flew wide or bounced off the rim with a disappointing clang. Grover and Sam, who were playing nearby, noticed his struggles and started pointing and laughing. "Look at him, he can't even hit the backboard!" Grover shouted, his blonde hair gleaming in the sun.

The Missed Shots

Xayden with tears in his eyes, turning to see Blaise, a brown-haired boy, offering a basketball with a kind smile.

As Grover and Sam walked away still laughing, Xayden felt tears forming in his eyes. "Hey, don't listen to them," said a kind voice behind him. Xayden turned to see Blaise, a brown-haired boy from his school, holding a basketball of his own. "I could help you practice if you want," Blaise offered with a genuine smile. Xayden wiped his eyes and nodded eagerly, grateful for the unexpected kindness.

An Unexpected Friend

Xayden practicing basketball with Blaise, both focused and determined, on a park court with basketball hoops in the background.

Every day after school, Blaise taught Xayden proper shooting techniques and dribbling skills. "Bend your knees more and follow through with your wrist," Blaise instructed patiently. Xayden practiced until his arms ached, but slowly his shots began finding their target. By the end of the week, Xayden could dribble confidently and make most of his free throws.

Practice Makes Progress

Xayden confidently dribbling a basketball with Blaise by his side. Grover and Sam looking surprised in the background.

When Grover and Sam returned to the court the following week, they found a transformed Xayden. "Want to play two-on-two?" Xayden challenged confidently, with Blaise standing beside him. During the game, Xayden executed perfect layups and even sank a three-pointer, leaving his former bullies stunned. After winning decisively, Xayden extended his hand to Grover and said, "Maybe now you know how it feels to be in another's shoes."