Storyclover
Storyclover
Maya raced onto the soccer field on Saturday afternoon. Today was the neighborhood cup, and she wanted to win.
I Wanted to Win More Than I Wanted to PlayA child becomes harsh during a contest and learns that good play means caring about people even while trying hard.
1. Maya raced onto the soccer field on Saturday afternoon. Today was the neighborhood cup, and she wanted to win.
2. Her friend Leo joined her team. “Pass to me,” he said. Maya nodded, but her eyes stayed on the goal.
3. The whistle blew. Leo was open, but Maya kept the ball. She kicked hard, and the ball sailed wide.
4. “You should have run faster!” Maya snapped. Leo looked down at his shoes.
5. Maya tried again and again. She shouted when anyone missed, and soon nobody called for the ball.
6. At halftime, Maya sat on the bench. The score was tied, but the game no longer sounded like fun.
7. Leo rolled the ball to her. “I like playing with you,” he said, “but not when you treat us like pieces on a board.”
8. Maya looked at the ball, then at Leo. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I wanted to win more than I wanted to play.”
9. The second half began. Maya passed to Leo, and Leo passed back. They tried hard, but they also called each other’s names.
10. The match ended in a tie. Maya grinned as Leo bumped her shoulder. Winning would have been nice, but playing together was better.
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