Early Retirement

"It's hard to say this," Jamaal started, looking down, fumbling with himself. God, he hated admitting defeat. Elizabeth held both his hands, looking gorgeous, and so invested in her husband.

"You can tell me," she told him with a soft tone. "No matter what it is."

"I'm not happy riding the bench," he said, sitting back. "I'm not happy not playing. I'm not happy feeling like a failure. I'm not happy disappointing myself and you and everybody. I'm not happy here. I want to retire from the league. I want to go home to South Carolina with you. I'll ... shit ... I don't know, coach. But I want to be with you."

"Oh, Jamaal ..." Elizabeth said, kissing him and hugging him, ecstatic. "That's not bad news. That's the best news I've heard in ages."