Chapter 8 Preview

Chapter 8 is almost done! I’ll have it done this week. In the meantime here’s a lil preview.

***

Coach Tom

I was checking in the boys for my first day as a Little League coach. I was excited to say the least. It’s been a dark couple of years ever since Lisa passed, but I finally felt like I was ready to get out there and teach the game I love to a whole new generation of kids.

The boys so far seem like the typical lot - loud, full of energy. There are always a couple who are more reserved or quiet, the ones who lay back. I noticed one in particular - a small boy with shaggy brown hair who was off to the side, passing glances at the other boys crowded together. My heart broke for a kid like that - wanting to fit in but not knowing how. That’s why I knew fostering teamwork and respect for each other was so important to me.

Which is why I approached the petite brunette woman in the parking lot after everything wrapped up. The kid was clinging to her, so I figured she must have been his mom.

“Hey there! I’m Coach Connors, but you can call me Tom. Just wanted to introduce myself and welcome our new player to the team.” I bent down on one knee so I was more level with the kid. He cowered behind his mom’s legs in response. “What’s your name, buddy?”

“Luke, introduce yourself to Coach Tom.” His mom nudged him, but he didn’t budge. “I’m so sorry, he’s really shy. It’s just me, so he’s not used to being around men. I’m his mom, Maria.”

“Pleased to meet you both. Tell me, Luke, are you excited to play baseball?”

The poor kid just shook his head. “Aw, you aren’t?”

“I’m so sorry.” Maria looked so embarrassed, probably worried about being judged as a single mother.

“No need to apologize, Maria. I’m going to make sure Luke has fun with the team, and maybe we’ll be able to draw him out of his shell a little.”

I turned towards the kid again and gave him a bright smile. “I think you’re gonna come to really enjoy baseball, buddy.” He stared back and gave me a little smile.

To be continued…