“I will,” said Janis.
Hazel gave Jed a quick hug.“If you need me, you know where I am.”
“I know,” he said and turned away, but not before she saw his eyes fill.
Even as her heart went out to him, she headed for the Center.
###
That afternoon, Hazel was working in the retail shop, doing a quick inventory, when her cell phone rang.Lisa.
“Hello,” said Hazel, her heart pumping with worry.“What’s up?”
Hazel heard a sob, and then Lisa said, “It’s Lucinda.She suffered what they think is heart failure, perhaps due to the stress on her body.She died before we could get her to the hospital.”
“That’s awful,” said Hazel.“Simply awful.What can I do?”
“Lucinda lived longer than anyone thought she would.But I’m worried about Jed.He’s taking it hard.He left the house, and I think he’s on his way to see you.”
“Okay, I’ll head outside now,” Hazel said.“Thanks for the call.I’ll keep in touch.”
“I’ve got to go,” Hazel told the store manager and hurried outside, hoping she could catch Jed before he reached the Center.
Hazel jogged in the direction of Jed’s house and saw him approach the baseball field.She increased her pace and met him by the bleachers.
“Hi, Jed,” Hazel said putting her arms around him.“Lisa just called me and told me about Lucinda.I’m so sorry.”
Jed leaned into her and sobbed.The sound of his pain was heartbreaking.
After he quieted, Hazel led him to the empty bleachers, and they sat together.
“I should have helped her more,” said Jed, biting his lips together.
Hazel placed an arm around him and gave him a squeeze of sympathy.“When someone is that sick, they can’t always be saved.Lisa told me that Lucinda lived longer than anyone thought she would.Maybe you helped with that.”
“Lisa said Lucinda loved me best,” Jed said, staring into the empty ballfield.“Why did she have to die?”
“I don’t know,” Hazel said.“Though she’s not living in the house with you anymore, she can still be in your thoughts and heart for as long as you let her.”
Jed gazed up at her thoughtfully.
Hazel’s heart went out to him.He was such a special boy.
Ross came onto the baseball field, saw them, and jogged over as fast as his past-injured knees would let him.
“Hey, there!What’s going on?”
Hazel introduced Jed to Ross and explained that he used to play for the New York Yankees.
Jed’s eyes rounded.“Wow!I like the Red Sox, but I can like the Yankees too.”
Ross chuckled and tousled Jed’s hair.“I hear you’re an excellent tennis player.”
Jed glanced at Hazel.“I really like tennis.”
“Keep up the good work.We’re going to have a practice ballgame soon.You’re welcome to come watch us anytime,” Ross told Jed.
“Thanks,” said Jed, getting to his feet.“I’ve got to go home.Lisa needs me.”
