Falling Short

At eight o’clock that night, Isaac returns home, excited to tell his mother about his father’s new television. She is angry that his father has kept him so late without calling, not considering Isaac’s homework and other school obligations. As she confronts his father, Isaac thinks that his mother does not understand that the people around her are trying their best. He is hurt when his father tries to shift the blame to Isaac, but he apologizes to his mother. When she tells him he needs to try even harder, he worries that he is already trying as hard as he can.

He goes to his room while his parents talk about how to help Isaac succeed in school. Through the wall, he can hear his mother explain that his father needs to not be a friend to Isaac but a father. His father confesses that he is terrified at the idea of losing Isaac and promises to be more responsible about his time with his son. Just as Isaac resolves to try even harder to succeed at school, he gets a text from Marco, who is outside the window, waiting to be let into Isaac’s room.

Isaac helps Marco up into his room, inadvertently grabbing his hurt finger and causing Marco to yelp. Marco explains that he was practicing basketball but does not say why. He tells Isaac that he heard the fighting between Isaac’s parents and asks whether Isaac wants to talk. They lie down on Isaac’s bed, and Marco patiently waits until Isaac is ready. Isaac’s ability to hold back his emotions impresses him, but he notices that Isaac’s voice trembles when he finally begins to speak.

Isaac finds it easier to open up to Marco because he knows that Marco understands what it is like to have “a father who can’t keep a promise” (113). He confesses to Marco that it hurts to feel like “such a disappointment,” and Marco agrees that “Yes…it does” (114). Marco helps Isaac get organized for school and even picks out an outfit for Isaac to wear.

The next morning, Isaac wears this outfit, even though he does not feel like it is his style. He looks forward to getting back to school because he wants to prove himself to his mother. At breakfast, his grandmother leaves the room so that Amá can give Isaac a gentle pep talk. She tells him that she does not think his father can help him much right now because Apá is struggling so much himself. When he arrives at school, Isaac is determined to focus on academics instead of on his peers, but in the first period, Dos Equis shows him a video of him throwing up on Mr. Chavez. When Dos Equis says he is going to post the video for everyone to see, they struggle over Dos Equis’s phone and Dos Equis falls, badly injuring his leg. After this, all Isaac can think about is how guilty he feels.

The narrative moves back a few hours in time to follow Marco as he gets up for his second day of middle school. He is exhausted from practicing basketball and staying up later than usual. He thinks about how popular Isaac has always been and wonders why Isaac chooses him as his best friend. He glances at his phone, which still shows his father’s social media posts from the night before. Marco feels hurt and jealous at the attention his father is showing toward his girlfriend’s athletic son, Sean. When his mother sees his swollen finger, she tells him that she is going to make a doctor’s appointment, despite his protests that it is fine. He goes in to take a shower, wishing that his body was maturing faster than it is.

When he arrives at school, Oscar, Orlando, and Jorge excitedly ask him about joining the robotics club, but he tells them he needs to focus on basketball. He tells them about Muggsy and his new nickname. Mr. Slaughter interrupts to tell Marco that he is excused for a doctor’s appointment. Marco sees Dr. Osburn, the same doctor he has been seeing all his life. Dr. Osburn tells him that his finger has an acute contusion and he should not practice basketball until it is healed. Marco asks the doctor about whether he will grow any taller, and Dr. Osburn assures him that he still has plenty of growing to do.

The narrative moves back a few hours in time to follow Marco as he gets up for his second day of middle school. He is exhausted from practicing basketball and staying up later than usual. He thinks about how popular Isaac has always been and wonders why Isaac chooses him as his best friend. He glances at his phone, which still shows his father’s social media posts from the night before. Marco feels hurt and jealous at the attention his father is showing toward his girlfriend’s athletic son, Sean. When his mother sees his swollen finger, she tells him that she is going to make a doctor’s appointment, despite his protests that it is fine. He goes in to take a shower, wishing that his body was maturing faster than it is.

When he arrives at school, Oscar, Orlando, and Jorge excitedly ask him about joining the robotics club, but he tells them he needs to focus on basketball. He tells them about Muggsy and his new nickname. Mr. Slaughter interrupts to tell Marco that he is excused for a doctor’s appointment. Marco sees Dr. Osburn, the same doctor he has been seeing all his life. Dr. Osburn tells him that his finger has an acute contusion and he should not practice basketball until it is healed. Marco asks the doctor about whether he will grow any taller, and Dr. Osburn assures him that he still has plenty of growing to do.

Since Marco is still out of school at lunchtime, Isaac joins Nick and Ryan at their table. They are excited to tell him about a point guard who Mr. Chavez is looking forward to having on the team, but when he realizes they are talking about Dos Equis, his heart sinks. He tells them that Dos Equis hurt his ankle badly and is unlikely to be able to play this year. Ryan says that this is terrible, but at least they have “Mugs as a backup” (136). Isaac asks what they are talking about, and their explanation astonishes him. He decides to keep the truth about Marco’s lack of basketball skills to himself. He decides if this is what Marco wants, he will teach him whatever he can before tryouts.

Instead of doing homework after school, Marco does more research into basketball and then goes outside to practice. He is excited to see that he is making progress, even though he still cannot make a basket. He puts himself through increasingly challenging drills, refusing to give up despite the pain in his finger and his lack of coordination.

When Isaac arrives home from school, he sees Marco practicing. He asks Marco about his splinted finger, and Marco reminds him of the many times Isaac has played hurt. Marco shows Isaac his father’s social media posts, and Isaac is angry at the way Marco’s father seems to be trying to replace him with Sean. He offers to teach Marco a few things about basketball: “Come on, Mugs, […] We’re doing this” (144).

Marco finds that it is easier to learn basketball from Isaac than from watching videos. Isaac corrects his form, but he still has trouble shooting with his injured hand. When he remarks about being “more like Muggsy Bogues’s grandma,” Isaac suddenly understands how Marco can shoot the ball: “granny” style. Isaac assures a skeptical Marco that actual professional players sometimes shoot this way, and Marco gives it a try, making his very first basket.

Isaac enthusiastically watches Marco make several successful shots in a row then suggests that he try shooting from a new spot. Marco immediately begins missing again, and Isaac realizes that he can only shoot free throws. He decides that Marco might be able to play defense because it requires fewer ball-handling skills. It does require being willing to take hits for the team, but Isaac is starting to see Marco as someone willing to accept physical pain in pursuit of a goal. He shows Marco how to guard someone, and they practice. Marco trips and falls on his injured hand, but he gets right back up. This new side of his friend impresses Isaac, and he feels more optimistic about Marco’s eventual success.

The narrative shifts to Marco’s perspective on his fall; his hand hurts a lot, but he thinks of himself as a “jock” now, and he is determined to “[act] like one” (153). The two boys continue practicing. Isaac’s constant encouragement and praise buoy Marco. Isaac teaches Marco to set a screen, another important defensive move. At one point, Isaac tells Marco to “roll” back in a particular direction. Marco does not understand what this will accomplish, but he drops to the ground and somersaults toward the basket.

The narrative shifts back to Isaac’s perspective as he stands frozen, watching Marco roll on the ground. Not wanting to embarrass his friend, he simply tells Marco, “[G]ood roll,” and then uses other words to guide Marco to practice the move he wants Marco to learn. The driveway lights come on, and Amá comes out to tell Isaac that his grandmother is unwell. Amá is taking her to see a doctor. When Isaac calls his father to find out if he can come get him, he realizes Apá has been drinking. Isaac listens to his father’s made-up excuses, wishing Apá would just admit he is drunk and cannot take care of Isaac right now. Isaac ends up going to Marco’s house for dinner.

Marco is anxious about what his mother will serve for dinner. He is temporarily pleased when she brings out mac ‘n’ cheese bites that look delicious, but after he tastes one, he has to force himself to pretend they are good. He can see that Isaac is struggling not to laugh. He entertains Isaac with a magic trick, and then they head to Marco’s room. He shows Isaac his playlist of basketball videos, and Isaac asks him about making time for homework. Marco dismisses Isaac’s concerns, saying that he can easily finish his homework later.

Isaac wants to get to his homework, but he feels obligated to keep helping Marco with his quest to learn about basketball. This is the first time he has ever seen Marco let something come before homework, and he can see that making the team means everything to Marco. Finally, Amá arrives, and Isaac has an excuse to go home. His grandmother is fine, fortunately. Feeling guilty about wasting the whole night, he climbs into bed to wait for his mother to come to say goodnight. After she leaves, he stealthily turns on a book light and starts his homework.