Remembering Training

Preston was happy to finally be done with school, having graduated High School earlier that year and enjoying his last summer vacation. He had no choice but to start applying to jobs once money began to run out, lucky to find a desk job as fall began. It was still in his hometown so he didn't need to move, able to quickly start making money on his own.

He didn't expect to run into anyone from his old life so soon, and couldn't have imagined seeing his old school football coach walking into his office. They were in their usual collar shirt and shorts, sneakers on their feet, their solid build taking up the space around them.

Preston didn't know what to say as the coach stepped in front of his desk. He was too shocked to speak.

"Hey bud, you're gonna be my assistant coach this year. Ready to get out of here?" Coach said, pointing over his shoulder.

Preston was astounded trying to process the situation. He didn't know why Coach felt the ability to come in and order him around like the player he used to be, especially when he was no longer a student. His inexperience as a young adult shone through as he stammered, trying to respond.

"But I've got a job now" Preston managed to get out.

"Yeah, and I'm telling you I need an assistant coach. Now are you gonna be a good boy and come out or are we going to have a problem?"

Preston wished his boss were in the office, knowing no one else in the room could help him. He sat frozen in his chair as moments passed by, Coach's expression still stern as an understanding settled into his eyes.

Coach stepped forward, leaning in close to Preston in his paralyzed state.

"Guess your conditioning didn't hold over the summer." He whispered, taking a moment to draw a breath before grinning. "Good players remember their training."

In that moment Preston was back in the school locker room, remembering the videos coach used to play for him. Remembering the headphones coach had put in his helmet. Remembering the verses repeated over and over to him, having felt as though they had been inserted directly into his head.

He heard them now again in his thoughts. Good players listen. Good players are obedient. Good players obey Coach.

Pres felt as if the world were crumbling around him, everything but him and Coach no longer mattering. His eyes had locked onto the man in front of him, feeling utter obedience washing through his system.

Coach saw the light in his player's eyes, a gleaming smile brought to his face. He stood back up straight, making a gesture again to the door and repeating himself.

"Let's get out of here boy. You're gonna be my assistant coach."

Preston immediately stood filled with a new purpose, following Coach out of the office moments later like a good player should.