Jake was stretched out on a stadium seat, just off the field and to the right side of home plate, looking out over the quiet ballpark, at peace with the world.
“Mind if I sit down?”
Jake smiled. “Not at all Julio, please do.”
Julio sat beside Jake then handed him a white paper bag.
“That’s for Bill when the time is right.”
“Is that what I think it is?”
“Yes,” he answered. “So how is Bill? I talked with Megan, but he was asleep when I stopped in at the hospital last night.”
Jake grimaced. “Bill is grateful that Natalie will heal. I think he believes me when I tell him she will be okay but is very worried. He also knows his career is over, appears to be stoic, but he just stares out the window. That makes me worry. When he was released from the team last fall, he could have easily taken that bottle of pills. It was right there. This time… I don’t know.”
“Take care of our boy. You will need to shadow him to make sure he doesn’t do something drastic.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
They let a few moments of comfortable silence pass.
“So how does it feel to be a National League Champion?” asked Julio.
Jake snorted. “I guess I hadn’t really let that sink in. I’ve been a little busy.”
Julio nodded and smiled. “And we get to do our jobs helping people while playing baseball.”
“It was wonderful,” answered Jake. “At least you helped the Cubs win last year’s World Series. That had to feel great!”
“I loved it! It was such a thrill to compete, and an honor to represent the Cubs. To participate in an activity that brings people together for fun, so they can forget their turmoil for a time, is desperately needed.
“I was able to attain the best physical shape of my life, and play with some of the finest athletes on earth. It felt good to see baseballs I hit go over the wall, to have a few home runs and make the Chicago fans ecstatic. We may not have returned to the World Series this year, but we can hold our heads high.”
“I could not have said it better, Julio. Congratulations!”
“And this season allowed me to raise money and funding that will help cure cancer faster and help even more kids.”
Julio was happy and the two of them sat with the feeling and watched the horizon quietly for a long time.
“What will you do now, Jake?”
Jake looked over at Julio. “I thought I would buy a condo close to wherever Bill settles, then buy a motor home.”
Julio laughed. “A motorhome? Why a motorhome?”
“I want to travel. I would like to see most of our National Parks, and Canada, and do some fishing. I would like to see the Grand Canyon, Glacier, and Yellowstone in particular.
“After that I can help Kai and Bill and maybe find a woman to love, raise horses and start a horse camp.”
“When Bill is better, he is going to tease you. You’re the guy wearing designer clothes. Boots and jeans will be a big switch.”
Jake laughed. “He said I looked like a BMW salesman.”
They shared some more sun.
“And what about you, Julio? What’s next?”
“It’s time for me to take a break and go home. I want to celebrate Christmas and then decide where I’m needed next.”
The two men stood and embraced warmly before Julio turned to walk away, the eyes of both men moist.
“Until we meet again old friend,” said Julio.