The Banner Above the Gym

A Contemporary Short Story by Zachery Hazard

What happens when we look the other way to protect a friend?

"The Banner Above the Gym" is a 1,600-word coming-of-age drama set against a high school wrestling backdrop. It takes an unvarnished look at the intense pressure of teenage peer groups, the blurred line between loyalty and complicity, and the weight of the things we leave unsaid.

Originally written for the Reedsy Prompts International Weekly Challenge, this narrative piece heavily intersects with themes of youth culture, psychological accountability, and mentorship.

👉 Read the full story on Reedsy Prompts

© 2026 Zachery Hazard. All rights reserved. Originally published on Reedsy.