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A high school homecoming scene.

Belonging has a price. Courage has a cost.

Worth The Trouble

A free short story from the 1980s small-town Texas world of Beyond the Goalposts. Ty Hensley just wanted to belong. By the end of homecoming night, he has to decide what kind of strength he wants.

About Worth The Trouble

At St. Joes, sophomore linebacker Ty Hensley finally gets his shot with the senior crew — lookout duty at homecoming. It feels like belonging. Then Matt Garrett, Edna’s star, walks out of their confrontation completely unshaken, and Ty starts questioning everything he thought he knew about strength.

One night. One choice. One moment that changes how you see yourself.

Worth The Trouble is a coming-of-age short story about peer pressure, authentic courage, and learning that real strength doesn’t need backup. It’s a companion to Beyond the Goalposts — and it can be read on its own.

Genre: Coming-of-Age / Historical Fiction
Series: Beyond the Goalposts, Companion Story
Setting: Victoria, Texas, October 1986

Worth The Trouble cover showing Ty Hensley at a 1980s Texas homecoming

CHAPTER ONE

You Coming?

Homecoming night. The weak flat. Ty Hensley gets more snaps than he’s ever had — and a chance that changes the game.

READ CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER THREE

You In?

Matt Garrett walks into homecoming. In the dark outside, Ty has to decide who he is.

READ CHAPTER THREE

Read all four chapters free right here on my website..

CHAPTER TWO

Keep Watch

Roger’s crew needs a lookout. Ty wants in. Belonging has a price that might just be too high.

READ CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER FOUR

Better Things to Do

There's one choice that needs to be made. This is the moment that changes a person.

READ CHAPTER FOUR

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