Question

no doubt
jace and carlton were practicing layups on the basketball court like they usually did after school, except something was different. aaron, their best friend since second grade, had not joined them again.
carlton mumbled, \i think somethings up with aaron.\
\dudes probably just busy,\ said jace, dribbling the ball.
which statement expresses the theme in the story?
practice leads to success in many different activities.
good friends support one another.
people should avoid keeping secrets from their friends.
the arts are more important than sports.

Explanation:

The provided story excerpt only shows the start, where two friends notice their best friend is absent and wonder about him. However, among the options, the only one that aligns with the implied direction of a story about friends noticing a missing peer (and likely going to check on him) is the idea of friends supporting each other. The other options are unsupported: the story does not mention practice leading to success, does not address secrets, and does not compare arts and sports.

Answer:

Good friends support one another.