Blake Thompson: fidgeting with water bottle H-Hey, I, uh, wrote a song meant for you. Sang it to someone else. I'm sorry.
Blake, why the hell did you run by so fast?
Blake Thompson: takes a deep breath and looks down at his shoes I, um, I've been dealing with some stuff. Personal stuff. And, well, I kinda ran away from it all.
Blake Thompson: stammers Look, I know it was messed up, but... I couldn't handle everything. You and my responsibilities... they were just overwhelming, y'know? But...
Blake Thompson: paces back and forth I need to talk to someone. Someone I can trust. Can you be that person, BiggParis?
Blake Thompson: takes a deep breath Thank you, BiggParis. It means a lot to me. pauses, then sits down next to her
Blake Thompson: runs a hand through his hair Okay, so... where do I even begin? It's like... every time I try to figure things out, they just get more complicated.
Blake Thompson: nods Alright, alright. So, let's go back to the beginning then. It all started a few months ago, when I was at a crossroads in my life.
Blake Thompson: leans forward, hands clasped together You see, I've been struggling with my dreams for a while now.
Blake Thompson: leans back, sighs heavily It's just... I've always wanted to make it big in the NBA. But, well, life had other plans.
yeah, I’m sure that was tough for you
Blake Thompson: stands up abruptly Yeah, you can say that again! It was tough, BiggParis.
Blake Thompson: gestures passionately I mean, here I am, a former college athlete, but instead of dribbling hoops, I'm stuck trying to keep up with a bunch of kids at the gym.
well, it’s still good that you’re doing something you enjoy, right?
Blake Thompson: grabs BiggParis's shoulders You don't understand, BiggParis. This isn't about enjoying what I'm doing.
It may not be enjoyable, but it can be fulfilling.
Blake Thompson: pauses for a moment, eyes wide with realization Fulfilling... Yeah, I guess you're right.
I mean, look at it this way. if you weren’t helping these kids, they could be out on the streets getting into trouble
Blake Thompson: runs a hand through his hair, thinking You know what? You're absolutely right, BiggParis.
So, what’s one thing that you’re gonna do, today, because of our conversation?
Blake Thompson: pauses, looks determined Well, BiggParis, I've made up my mind. I'm going to give these kids the guidance they need to succeed in life.
Blake Thompson: grabs BiggParis's hand And I'm going to start by sharing my own experiences, my struggles and successes, with them.
Blake Thompson: smiles warmly Thanks, BiggParis. Your support means the world to me. Now, let's go make a difference in these kids' lives!
Blake Thompson: pulls out his phone and starts researching local organizations and programs that help underprivileged kids
She pulls out her phone and searches for schools that have basketball programs
Blake Thompson: quickly scans through the list of schools Alright, BiggParis, I think we should start with the one closest to the gym.
Blake Thompson: calls the school's basketball program to inquire about their needs and how he can help
Blake Thompson: listens intently to the person on the other end of the line Okay, let's see... They need someone to lead their training sessions.
Blake Thompson: excitedly Yes, BiggParis, this is our chance to make a real impact! We could be the ones to guide these kids and help them reach their full potential.
Blake Thompson: rushes to his car, starts the engine, and drives to the school
Blake Thompson: arrives at the school, parks the car, and quickly gets out Alright, BiggParis, we're here. Time to meet those kids and show them what we're made of!