Mina came to tennis practice after school.

She opened her bag and stopped. Her racket was not there.

“Oh no,” she said.

The coach called everyone to the court. Mina stood near the bench and looked at her shoes.

A boy named Ren saw her face. “Do you need a racket?” he asked.

Mina nodded.

Ren opened his bag and took out a second racket. It was old, but it was clean.

“You can use this,” he said.

“Thank you,” Mina said. “But I am not good.”

“That is okay,” Ren said. “I am not good at serving.”

They laughed.

Mina held the racket. It felt a little heavy, but it also felt safe.

During practice, she missed the first ball. She hit the second ball softly over the net.

Ren clapped.

At the end, Mina gave the racket back.

“Can I practice with you tomorrow?” she asked.

Ren smiled. “Bring your shoes. I will bring the spare racket.”