Its so hot today...
Its the 18th of March 2006. The final day of the tournament, but still, the pressure was on.
Sakaguichi is in the second plate and Nakamura on third-The batter hits it! I looked up the sky, finding where the ball went. I should be seeing it right now, yet all I can see is the scorching sun. I suddenly remember the days before yesterday, and those of last week.
I was dreaming for this moment back then. I wanted to be here, bringing home a win today...
---
"Sakurabi-san!" I glanced and saw Tohru running away from Mr.Ooma!
'Shit! What did you do this time!' I came flustered and pissed off.
"Denzel and I were playing when he broke a glass in the his house. I swear, It wasnt my fault! He threw a wild shot!"
"You know pretty well that he isn't a good pitcher! And why am I running with you guys!?"
"Stop you stupid Delinquents!!"
A furious Mr.Ooma grab hold of my collar. Denzel and Tohru came back to get me, but they also paid the price of their stupidity. In the end we did some cleaning back at his house, and been given a beatdown by some bully highschool ballers.
Those days were tough. We were still striving for stardom. Me, Tohru, and Denzel.
They were good friends of mine...
---
Spring break...
It was night I would never forget. I was hitting ball until 10 when I saw someone important to me. The Stadium lights are already dim. Its past midnight, nevertheless, I kept practicing, hoping to be good enough to make the team.
An hour ha passed and I got tired, so I sat on the bench without any worry. I wasn't like any other kids that had curfews and house rules. I live alone since I was nine. My aunt goes to my apartment from time to time, but still, I get by on my own alone.
I went back to practice a few more swings when suddenly, I saw this young girl, standing alone by the fence. She seems to be watching me for a while and I haven't noticed. She is beautiful and wore a nice white dress. As soon as ny attention directs to her, a sweet and revitalising smile was given from afar. It was awfully familiar, my heart would pump rapidly.
Suddenly, I was unconsciously smiling back at her...
I continue to play baseball and try not to be bothered. I set my mind in playing and avoid any distractions. I focused myself hard, visualizing my goal, and kept hitting balls until one flies out the park. Then I thought of the girl, who watches me practice in that area. She might've been hit by it!
I ran to her direction, with all haste, hoping that she was away from danger. Unfortunately, I did hit her...
"Are you okay? I'm sorry..." I cackled while I stopped the bleeding in her flrehead with a towel.
'Don't worry! It wasn't your fault! I'm fine, so let me keep watching' the lady replied, a smile forms in the corner of her lips.
I let her watch me from the benches, where she can sit comfortably. She doesnt look like a fan, or a scout, but she stayed with me for many, many hours. I search my mind for answers. I was so distracted, that I can't even hit the ball anymore.
When I've come to the desicion to talk to her, she suddenly spoke: Go Ryuuto-kun! I know you can fo it! I'll be here cheering for you!"
I stopped as I heard her voice. My tears fell in an unbroken stream, a grim realisation came through me. How could I forget that voice...
It was my mother's voice...
I quickly turned to the benches, only to find her nowhere. It was a split of a second, a moment I could never bring back.
I fall to my knees...
Given the sense of purpose, I played baseball with all I can. It was my only interest. I did well in my studies, and I became a honored student to live my dream to become a baseball player.
---
I live with my mom in the district of Shibuya, It was happy but short. She died almost three years ago. When she appeared to me in the park, there was nothing holding me back. At least I know she was satisfied. I didnt felt crying my graduation day because I happily dedicate it to her. After that, I embraced baseball as I entered highschool
---
The pressure is on...
The 9th inning of Nagoya high leads us with a point. Scorching sun, cheerful crowd, and voice of a broadcaster entertained by our Live- TV action is all I hear.
The whole Japan is hoping for a big win from us...
"The batter hits the ball! And the crowd goes wild! It was this moment where it is destined to land in the center field. This moment where its lies in my hands, and my willingness to take it."
It was a simple flyball...
YOU ARE READING
Koushien
Short StoryIs satisfaction a factor...? Ryuuto Sakurabi was an Interhigh baseball player that failed to bring his team to win the finals for some uncertain reasons. Soon after, he lost his will and determination, leading to the end of his career.
