Coach to Coach

18Bag of Peanuts

Brian made his way back to the tunnel through all the pandemonium. Passing some of the security guards who blocked the tunnel, he was finally in a place secluded enough to be able to pull his phone out of his pocket and call his wife to make sure they were all right.

“Are you and the girls okay?” asked Brian, still breathing heavily from working his way through the crowd.

“Yes,” replied Kelly. “We're fine up here. The girls had a great time and I have to admit I did, too! I forgot how much fun it was to come out to a game.”

“That was some win, huh?” said Brian.

“Oh my gosh, it was incredible!” laughed Kelly. “I don't think the girls will be taking off these outfits to go to sleep tonight. They keep saying ‘We won! We won!’”

“I'm so glad you got to see it and be part of it with me, Kell. This whole thing really isn't as much fun without you,” said Brian.

“Thanks, hon,” replied Kelly. “Now get back to the team and celebrate! We'll see you at home, and after this, I think I can say we won't miss another game.”

“Okay, see you and the girls tonight…I love you,” said Brian.

“I love you, too,” replied Kelly. “Oh, and one last thing…” she paused. “I am proud of you.”

After Brian ended the call, he took a moment to absorb the conversation and was just looking down at his phone with a smile on his face when he was startled by what he heard next.

“Seems like one of your best days, huh, Bri?” came a familiar hoarse voice from what seemed like out of nowhere.

Brian turned ...