You were already the talk of the town

But after you made the game winning shot against Gregory, taking us to playoffs

I knew you'd be the talk of the state

I also knew my editor would kill me if I didn't get a quote from you

So I pushed my way through the crowd

The gym was sweaty, chaotic and electric all at the same time

And there you were right at the center, taking it all in as your teammates carried  you in celebration

To anyone else, you had looked like you were having the time of your life.

You were hollering with the rest of them

That same fake smile plastered on your face

But every few seconds you'd scan the crowd, your lips twitching

It was as if you were searching for something that you knew you'd never find

And then your eyes locked with mine

I remember seeing pain and heartache

But I grinned, playing the role of a clueless journalist, unlikely friend

I pointed toward my note pad and you got the message

Asking your teammates to let you down, you made your way over to me, smiling

I congratulated you as you hugged me, much to my surprise

I went through the formalities and wrote down your humble answers

And then right when I was about to leave, you asked if I was going to the victory party

I shook my head, it wasn't my scene

You had shrugged, looking at me with those lost eyes

You said you knew

But you still wish I went.