Hs - Cream Dreams: - Seth Peterson, Derek Shaw

They sat there until the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the interior of Cream Dreams in hues of gold and orange. It was a simple tradition—two friends, a couple of plastic spoons, and the weight of an upcoming season—but in that small shop, under the hum of the freezer units, everything felt exactly as it should be.

they play (e.g., football, baseball, basketball) HS - Cream Dreams - Seth Peterson, Derek Shaw

When the server finally handed over Seth’s towering mocha sundae and Derek’s minimalist scoop of sea salt caramel, they retreated to their usual booth in the back. For a moment, the noise of the shop faded. They sat there until the sun began to

"You think we’ve actually got a shot at state this year?" Derek asked, his voice lower, the bravado slipping for a second. For a moment, the noise of the shop faded

The summer air in Mill Valley was thick with the scent of sun-baked asphalt and the sweet, milky promise of , the local ice cream parlor that served as the unofficial headquarters for the high school’s varsity roster.

(e.g., a rival school, a personal injury, a secret)