Sarah, usually energetic before races, sat weakly on the bench. She looked pale. A stomach illness had hit her family, and she was still sick.
Coach Davis stood beside her. "Sarah, can you run the anchor leg (最后一棒) tomorrow? It's the most important job, but you are sick." The anchor leg runner finishes the race, and Sarah was their fastest runner.
Sarah breathed hard. "I... I have to, Coach. The team needs me." But her voice shook, and sweat shone on her forehead.
Nearby, Maya watched, her hands tight. She ran the third leg well but wasn't the fastest. Seeing Sarah so sick worried her. What if Sarah got worse?
In the locker room after practice, Maya sat next to Sarah. "Hey," she said gently, "how are you really feeling?"
Sarah looked down at her shaking hands. "Not great," she admitted. "But I can't let everyone down. The team is counting on me."
Maya took a deep breath. "I know you want to help, but what if running makes you worse? Maybe... maybe someone else should run the anchor leg this time?"
Sarah's eyes were filled with tears, "But who? It has to be someone fast."
"I could try," Maya offered quietly. "I've been practicing hard. And Coach could help me prepare."
Sarah stared at her, "You'd really do that?"
Maya nodded firmly, "Of course! We're teammates. That's what teammates do — we help each other when we need it most."
Coach Davis, who had been listening nearby, walked over. "Sarah, Maya makes a good point. Running while sick could hurt your health and the team's chances. Sometimes the bravest thing is knowing when to step back. Don't worry, the backup will take Maya's place."
Sarah wiped her eyes. It was the hardest decision she'd ever made.
"You're right," she finally said, her voice thick with emotion. "Maya, I trust you. You'll be a great anchor leg." Maya laughed and hugged her friend. "I'll run like you're right beside me!"
注意：1.续写词数应为150个左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
The big race came the next day.
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Maya smiled, "I wouldn't have done it without your trust."
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