No one else had a little sister waving them off on day one. I felt a flicker of embarrassment—until I looked back. Avery stood there, waving like she was sending off a hero. That was enough.
The day flew by in a blur—introductions, drills, pressure. We all measured ourselves against each other: who was strongest, fastest, smartest. I struggled to keep up. Sweat stung my eyes. My confidence wavered. But Avery’s voice echoed in my head: You’re gonna catch bad guys. That phrase anchored me.
By day’s end, I was exhausted—physically and mentally. Doubts crept in. Was I cut out for this?
And then—there she was again.
Avery stood near the gate, arms crossed, giant bow still in place. When she saw me, she grinned. “I’m waiting for you, Bubba! Did you catch bad guys today?”
I laughed and knelt beside her, exhaustion melting away. “Not yet. But I’m getting closer.”
She
