Goal!

Seconds later, the referee blew the whistle. Came over.

“We won!” Jordan shouted out, leaping into the air.

“Championship game, here we come!” said Tara, slapping hands with Devin. “Can't wait till Thursday.”

Devin grinned. Thursday would be huge-the big soccer game in the afternoon, and the school's autumn concert in the evening. Ms. Poltis had chosen Devin to sing brief solo (独唱).

“Great work,” Coach said as the team gathered. “Be here by 6: 30 on Thursday to warm up.”

“Six thirty?” Devin said. That didn't sound right.

“It's a night game,” Coach explained. “Under the lights.”

“Playing at night will be so cool,” Tara said. “Under the bright stadium lights.”

Devin's heart sank. The concert was at 7: 00. Same time as the game. He couldn't possibly do both.

Devin's teammates were super excited. They were on the edge of a title, and Devin was a big reason why. He led the league in scoring, and his soccer knowledge made him like a coach on the field. He couldn't let his team down by skipping the game.

That night, Devin lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Finally, he turned on his light. He picked up a sheet of paper from his desk. After reading the words, he shut his eyes and sang them:

“No matter how hard the struggle, I will never let you down...”

The solo was only four lines in the middle of a song the entire choir(合唱团) would sing. Devin knew the words by heart, but the thought of singing alone made him shivers(颤抖). Sometimes he was nervous about taking part in sports, too, but that always went away as soon as a game started. He'd never sung a solo before. It was a relief to know he didn't have to now. The soccer game was perfect excuse. His team was perfect excuse. His team was counting on him.

But so was Ms. Poltis.

Devin crawled back into bed. It was a long time before he fell asleep.

In the morning, Devin hardly ate any breakfast.

At school, he went straight to the music room.