The interview aired that evening. Maya watched it in her dorm room with Zoe, phone silenced, stomach in knots.
On screen, she looked smaller than she felt. Nervous but holding it together. Dean Thorne and Coach Santos flanked her, their presence lending credibility to her story.
Jennifer Barnes had been kind, asking questions that let Maya explain instead of defend. Why she'd hidden her identity. What it was like playing on the boys' team. How her teammates had reacted when they found out.
"You're doing great," Zoe said, squeezing Maya's hand as they watched.
On screen, Maya talked about soccer. About survival. About choosing to stay when leaving would have been easier.
"That's the part people need to hear," Zoe said. "You're not some liar trying to trick people. You were just trying to survive."
