Personal Best

 Sam is a high school cross country runner stuck living with his

divorced dad when the pandemic shuts down traveling, hanging with

friends, even school. He'd rather be with his mom, who at least

calls him by the right name and pronouns. The day goes from gloomy to

terrifying when Dad gets a letter in the mail that seems to turn him

into a different person. An angry person. Scared, and more alone

than ever, Sam knows he has to act… or Dad, and Sam, will disappear

for good.

Personal Best was first published in the Pikes

Peak Writer's Anthology Fresh Starts in 2021