Cooper
You’re loving VR, huh?
Mom
I am! I took a road trip from the couch the other day. Route 66!
I did not like driving through Texas.
Boring!
And we hit a deer.
I struggle swallowing. These experiences she thinks she’s having aren’t real. I can only imagine how hard the last twenty years have been for her, occasionally making progress just to backslide again.
This isn’t progress.
It’s a nail in the coffin of hopes and dreams I haven’t let myself consider in years. Until now, I’m not sure I even realized they were still dwelling in the recesses of my mind. How do I respond to something she’s excited about that’s breaking my heart?
Cooper:
I’m glad VR is making you happy.
Mom
Oh, it is. I’ve loved all your games, especially that one against the Rockies. It felt like I was right there with you! Take that, Colton Spencer.
My thumbs hesitate over my keyboard. I don’t hint at troubles in my life because I don’t want to put more emotional burdens on her. I tell my dad, so it’s not like I have no outlet, but Mom is safe from my regrets.
But a glance at Liesel and her flared nostrils makes me drop my filter. Whatever has upset her, it hassomethingto do with me. And girl troubles require a mom’s help.
Cooper
You know, not everyone liked me blowing him a kiss. Or the back flip at home plate.
Mom
Who cares what they think? You made that game so fun. You make baseball fun.
Cooper
Maybe I need to be more respectful.
Mom
To whom?
Cooper
Baseball? Fans?
Mom
What has you thinking this way? Did the team say something?
Cooper
No, just a friend.
