8

8

The baseball cracked against the metal bat in a resounding ting Sidney almost felt vibrating down her own fingers. The tiny white dot careened into the clear blue sky, arching high above the uniformed children spread out over the diamond. Cameron stood stunned for a split second, staring in amazement at the ball’s flight, before the yelling of his coaches stirred him. He flung the bat as he leaned into his sprint toward first base.

Before she realized it, Sidney was on her feet, clapping her hands hard and shrieking her son’s name. She yelped excitedly as he slid into second base. Safe.

Still throbbing with pride, Sidney sat back down on the bleachers. She turned and caught Aiden’s glance. He sat a couple rows down and away from her, peering out from beneath his baseball cap. Out of habit, he smiled back at her, mingled in the parental moment. Then he caught himself and snapped his eyes back to the field. Sidney felt the smile turn heavily and fall from her cheeks.

“Si