Three years later, as the sun began to set on that crisp Friday evening, Michael found himself at school, diligently preparing for the biggest game of his life. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and the pressure of the moment weighed heavily on his broad shoulders. As a talented player, Michael was acutely aware that his future career could hinge on his performance in this crucial game. 

Michael had dedicated every moment of his life to this very day. Every game he played, every move he made, was all leading up to this moment. He was determined and driven, knowing that nothing would stand in his way of achieving his ultimate goal. 

With a calm and focused demeanor, Michael sat on the bench, watching his teammates as they warmed up for the game. He soon turned his eyes to the bright blue sky above, a perfect backdrop for what he knew would be an equally perfect game. The day was looking amazing, and he was confident in his abilities.

As the clock ticked down to the start of the game, Michael took a moment to check his phone, a ritual he followed before every basketball game. His brother, Mike, always made sure to send him a message of encouragement before each match. Michael knew he could count on his brother's support, and it gave him a sense of comfort before stepping on the court. However, on this particular day, when he checked his phone, Michael noticed that the message he received was not from Mike. 

The message that appeared on his phone screen was far from the usual supportive and positive ones he received. In fact, it was not even from a familiar number. However, it was the message itself that captured Michael's attention: “Isabella urgently needs to see you at The Wind Ford Hospital!”

The message was a sucker punch, as if someone had unexpectedly come up from behind and delivered a hard blow to his back. He found himself reading the message over and over again, in disbelief. He could not believe that the name he saw was that of his best friend. The girl he had loved for as long as he could remember. 

Michael's mind was racing as he processed the fact that she was in another town, only three hours away from where he lived. He could not believe that she was so close after years of no contact. So many thoughts were swirling through his head, each one more pressing than the last. Why had she suddenly reappeared in his life? What was she doing at the hospital? How long had she been there? And most importantly, was she okay? 

“No!” He thought to himself. “How could she possibly be safe and sound if she was in a hospital?"

There existed no doubt in the vast expanse of the universe regarding Michael's intentions. The game held great significance for him, as it represented his future, but Isabella was his everything. She had always been the core of his existence. His pillar of support. She was the force that kept him grounded. At that moment, nothing else held any importance for Michael except for her. All he desired was to reach her as quickly as he could. 

The apprehension of what she was enduring at the hospital was consuming Michael with each passing moment. As he rummaged through his bag in search of his car key, he could not help but feel an overwhelming sense of dread. Without pausing to consider his actions, Michael carelessly tossed his bag over his shoulder and turned his back on the basketball court. 

Amidst the cheers and shouts of his coach and teammates, Michael remained resolute, not turning to face them. In that moment, their calls were insignificant, for Michael's mind was fixed on something far more important. As the star player of the team, Michael felt the immense pressure to perform and lead his team to victory. The coach might not have cared about Michael's personal concerns, but he was acutely aware of the impact Michael's absence could have on the game.

There was no question that she was worth the ultimate sacrifice. Michael had eagerly waited for years to receive this message, and now that he had, nothing would stop him from going to be with Isabella. It was a decision he had made with great seriousness and one that he was prepared to uphold at any cost. To him, the love and companionship of Isabella was invaluable, and he was willing to make any sacrifice to see her again. 

As Michael made his way towards the hospital, memories flooded his mind of the years prior to her departure. He could not help but recall how Isabella was always there for him, especially in his moments of desperation. Whenever he anticipated her arrival for their hangouts, Michael would break into a broad smile or burst into uncontrollable laughter, as though someone had just shared a hilarious joke with him.

Michael’s grip on the steering wheel was intense, almost fierce. His mind was racing at an incredible pace, consumed with countless possibilities surrounding Isabella's health. A sense of sickness and nerves overtook him, leaving him in a state of overwhelming concern. 

Michael's mind drifted back to the first time he met Isabella. 

At midday, the blazing sun sat high in the sky, unleashing its fierce rays onto the parched earth below. Michael found himself rushing back home from the nearby basketball court. Despite the game being in full swing, he had been forced to abandon it due to his forgotten water bottle and the merciless heat. Fortunately, his home was conveniently located just around the corner. 

"Hello!” A voice had called out to him. 

At first, Michael was puzzled as he stood outside his gate. Despite the clarity of the voice, he could not spot anyone in sight. Assuming it was merely his mind playing tricks on him, the boy proceeded to open his gate. The urgency in his need for hydration was evident through his quick steps. His throat was dry, and he longed for a refreshing drink.