my mother said as she started to clear away the supper dishes. “I just assumed that you two would try out for any basketball team, anywhere, any-time,” she continued. “It’s not that simple,” I said as I started to put plates into the dishwasher. “It’s the school team,” Kia added. “And that’s a fortunate coincidence, since you both go to the school,” Mom said. “So what’s the problem?” “You don’t understand. The team is for the grade fives. It’s sort of a senior team,” explained. “It’s a rule? You two aren’t allowed to try out for the team?” Mom asked. “No… I don’t think it’s a rule or anything. It’s more like… like a tradition.” “A tradition?” she questioned. “Thanksgiving dinner with your in-laws, or sending out Christmas cards, or wedding showers are traditions. I think that a school team should have the best players in the school, even if they are in kindergarten.” “Come on, Mom, kindergarten kids couldn’t make the team.”
