The Court Lines

George and Abigail plan a basketball game after lunch. They take a ball to the school court. The painted lines are hard to see under the fallen leaves. “Where is the edge?” asks Abigail.

George moves a few leaves with his shoe. He finds part of a line, but the rest is still hidden. They cannot tell where to start their game. Abigail looks towards the equipment room.

They ask their teacher for two brooms. “Check the court before you play,” she says. The students sweep the dry leaves into a pile beside the fence. More lines appear as they work.

Under the last leaves, Abigail finds a loose twig. She puts it in the garden bin with the leaves. George checks the court for anything else. Now the surface is clear.

Their friends join them for the game. Abigail points to the lines and explains where to begin. George passes the ball. Everyone has room to run and turn.

When the game ends, they return the brooms. “We spent more time getting ready than we planned,” says George. “But it was worth it,” says Abigail. They leave the court ready for the next group.