They played together in park, on field, feeling but not acting age. Cuts and shifts, bumps and body checks of friendly contact and competition, fast breaks on open nets when other became too winded to keep chase.
They laughed, and they smiled playing on, in youth of game that restored their spirits to the same. No costumes, no guises, just themselves, youthful flirt and mirth again. Their lungs breathed better, spirit eased, and in sweat they felt the evening cool enliven goosebumped skin.
Returned to home, still in ease and pleasure of their time, they joined again—bumps and body checks, close holdings and nearer draw—evening’s cool replaced in shower warmth in fall and cover of them both; fast breaks and slower place, both working for the goal; short of breath as the aim drew near, gentle elation in achieve; still held, still close, one in their together; eyes’ open again, smiles and mirth in youth of game and spirits’ restore to same.