September 27, 2023 / 2 Minute Read

even stars die

I lost to a 17 year old.

Not just once…

But three times in one day.

It was my sister’s birthday party, and like the spectacular big brother I am, I decided to show my face.

I mean that’s what big brothers are for right?

After spending far too long picking out an outfit; I showed up late, per usual. Luckily this was a family event, so I was actually one of the earlier arrivals. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree huh?

After greeting my family and giving my sister her presents, we retreated to the basement to do battle in the most ancient and bloodthirsty of ways: NBA 2K23.

Oh, by the way, the conflict of this story is between me and my sisters boyfriend.

After watching my cousin get molly whopped, losing by 50 (technically 48) I decided to step in the ring. Again, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as I was promptly defeated in similar fashion.

0-1

After the 2k fiasco, we went outside to play cornhole. Yes, cornhole, that suburban, white people crap. But what can I say? My sister lives with suburban white people.

Round 2

HADUOKENNN!!!!

I’ve probably played cornhole twice in my entire life, but I was actually pretty decent! Until I wasn’t. Not only did I lose, again, but I missed the game winning throw.

And guess who took advantage of my fatal mistake?

0-2

I tried to play it cool, stay composed; but in reality, I was shook. There was blood in the water, and everyone smelled it.

I started to panic.

Is this how the mighty Chance goes out?

Morehouse man? Fashion icon? Pretty boy? Track star?

One title I thought I’d never embrace was: Loser.

Alas, we all have to face the music one day.

And today was mine.

0-3

The final loss hurt the most.

Not because I lost a foot race to a 17 year old punk whose doing God knows what with my sister.

Not because I literally fell on my face (No seriously, I fell face first during the first race) in front of my entire family.

Not even because I lost twice in a row. (Yes, we raced twice)

No, it hurt the most because it was clear, undeniable evidence of a major truth. A truth I’ve been avoiding, hiding, and fighting for a long time…

I am not who I used to be.

I ran track from kindergarten all the way up until my freshman year of college.

And I was great at it.

Medals, trophies, top times in the state. I did it all.

I was a star.

But that’s the thing…

Even stars die.