The Warriors team and their coach sit around a line of tables in Yummio. The CESAFI Championship trophy is beside Coach Perez and the MVP trophy is beside Cesar.

After they finish ordering their meals, they now wait patiently.

Sitting beside Mark are Ruth and George, his father.

“Way to go, kiddo,” says George. “You went from zero to hero. Emphasize on the zero haha.”

Mark laughs along with him, “Daad. I know I was zero but thanks to Cesar, I have become a hero haha.”

“I didn’t expect that you could win the CESAFI tournament championship. But when you defeated the VCF Lions in the Round Robin, I knew right then and there that you’d win it.”

“Thanks, dad. It’s all glory to God.”

George nods and looks straight ahead, “Sure. All glory to him.”

Mark gives off a faint smile.

He turns to Ruth and says, “Thank you for coming to the game, Ruth.”

“What do you mean? The entire school came and watched. And I witnessed that you’re a great shooter, Mark Mercado haha.”

Mark chuckles and says, “Thanks, Ruth.”

Their meals arrive at last and Coach Perez urges Cesar to do a speech and then pray.

“You go ahead, Cesar,” says Coach Perez.

Cesar nods and stands up, “Coach, teammates, and friends. We have gained a championship victory which we all hoped for.” Cesar’s voice is beginning to break. “But thanks to Coach Perez, Mark, Justin, and Kevin, they have given us an unfair advantage to our opponents with the likes of which has never been seen before in this tournament.”

Cesar now breaks into sobs, “I thank you all for making it happen.”

Sam, who is beside him, stands up and consoles him. Cesar glances at her with a smile.

“And thanks to my inspiration,” he wraps his arm over Sam, “I’ve achieved what I’ve dreamed of having. Winning the CESAFI Trophy. And to top it all off, I gets to be the Finals MVP.”

Cesar sniffs before he resumes, “Last but not least… I would like to thank the Lord Jesus for giving us the victory. Never a day that I don’t hope and pray that this day would happen. I give him all the honor, glory, and praise forevermore. And all His children say?!”

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“AMEN!!!” All of them declare.

After his speech, they are about to dig in.

Coach Perez halts them and says, “That’s a nice speech and all but… you haven’t prayed yet.”

“Oh…” Cesar says as he scratches his head. “But you said Amen, right?”

Coach Perez wryly smiles, “We’re not in an attitude of prayer, Cesar. Even you don’t consider that a prayer.”

“I guess you’re right, Coach,” Cesar chuckles.

“Get on with it, MVP.”

Cesar nods and says, “Let’s bow our heads and close our eyes in prayer.”

They all comply.

“Lord Jesus, thank you for this day that you’ve given us. A day of victory, celebration, and joy. We wouldn’t have this day unless you have decreed it to be and unless it’s your will. We humbly give you thanks, honor, and praise. You alone are fit for glory, Lord. We give you all the glory. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the victory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

They solemnly declare, “Amen.”

After this, they begin to dig in. All their meals are paid in full by their school thanks to their glorious victory for the crown of CESAFI Basketball Tournament Champions.

Finishing their meals, Sam puts her utensils on the plate.

‘What does that dream mean?’ Sam thinks. ‘Why would I be married to Mark? I love Cesar, Lord. I want to marry him’

Cesar observes her and says, “You haven’t been yourself lately. Might wanna tell me why?”

When Sam hears his voice, she snaps back to reality.

“Oh… Have I really?”

“Yeah… I can tell something’s eating you up.”

Sam smiles and says, “Oh, it’s nothing.”

Cesar holds her hand, “You can try telling me.”

Sam gazes at Cesar’s eyes when hers starts to well up. She looks away and shakes her head.

“I don’t wanna talk about it. At least… not now.”

Cesar nods, “Ok. Take your time, there’s no need to rush. Just tell me when you’re ready.”

She dabs a finger under her eyes and then focuses her gaze on Cesar.

“Thank you, Cesar.”

They finish eating when Sam and Cesar walk home together. They don’t say much to each other with each passing minute.

Cesar glances at Sam and says, “So… George plans a feast tomorrow after church service. He’s doing as he promised— that he would give us a feast if we win the tournament. Would you care if you join us?

Sam doesn’t answer. When Cesar checks up on her, she is in a daze.

“Sam?”

Sam snaps back to reality, “Huh? What?

Cesar chuckles, “I said, would you care if you join a feast George is having? He has lechon there.” He elbows her to her side.”

“Oh,” She chuckles. “A feast. Sure thing since you are celebrating your tournament victory.”

“Noice.”

“But who’s George?”

Cesar laughs, “Come on now. You can’t be serious. You don’t know George?”

She gives him a brooding look, “Does it look like I’m joking?”

He raises his hands, “Ok, ok. I know you genuinely don’t know him. George is Mark’s dad, you remember.”

“Oooohh,” She is wide-eyed in surprise. “That’s who George is. I feel so dumb and stupid.”

“Hey now. Don’t beat yourself up. We always talk about Mark’s dad without saying his name. Don’t worry.”

Sam gives him a gentle smile and Cesar notices.

“What?” Cesar gives off a shy smile.

“Thank you, Cesar,” Sam replies.

Both of them stop in their tracks, getting lost in each other’s gaze.

“What does that mean?” Cesar says.

“Thank you… for everything. You’ve been good to me. You understand me even through ups and downs. You are an understanding person who puts me above yourself. I know you love me and I know you want the best for me.”

Cesar humorously chuckles, “Are you giving me a mini break up? Is this what it is?”

“No, no, no. That’s not what I mean.”

“Oh, thank God. You scared me.”

“Oh, sorry about that,” Sam laughs. “I just… appreciate you being in my life, Cesar.”

“Wow, thank you for the thought,” Cesar gently smiles. “You’re welcome.”