protect my heart

4

c h r i s t i a n

Walking into the training facility, I set my bag down in my locker and changed my shoes. It was fairly quiet, which was unusual as I was normally one of the last to arrive in the morning. I didn't really see anyone around besides staff that worked there and whatnot. I didn't get any memo of training being canceled or postponed, though. Maybe this would give me time to train alone and not have any distractions.

I walked into the weight room, still empty. Weird. Maybe practice got delayed? Oh well, gives me time to myself. I decided to do a couple reps of arm workouts before going to do some stretching, making sure my back and knee were in good condition for taking batting practice today.

"Yeli! You're here early, what's up with that?" My teammate, Jacob says. There was one.

"Was workout delayed and I just didn't read messages?" I asked, chuckling. "I enjoyed the alone time, though. Didn't have guys yelling across the weight room.." I shrug, taking a drink from my water bottle.

"Yeah, we didn't have to come in until one today. But, good for you, man! Getting in here early." Jacob patted me on the shoulder, "How's things been going? You and Nadia alright?"

I nod, "We're doing really good, yeah. Our three year wedding anniversary is coming up soon so I'm trying to figure out what I wanna do." I sit down on a bench, "I think I'm just gonna do a simple dinner and something. Just gotta find someone to watch the kids."

Jacob nodded, "Crazy how it's been almost three years! But, if you ever need someone to watch the kiddos for the night or something, me and my girlfriend are always willing. We love spending time with them! Willow adores Ashlyn, so I'm sure she wouldn't mind if we took them for the night."

"Thanks for offering, I'll definitely keep it in mind." I tell him.

"For sure. Does it feel weird knowing this is your last time here?" Jacob asked me. He wasn't the first to do so, but the question definitely made me wonder.

I shrug, "I've been asked that a lot already but I just feel like this isn't my last season, yknow? I tell myself that it is and I know that it is, just like, my gut tells me otherwise. I think it's really serving as a reflection." I explain, "I think it'll be more different once we're in the actual season and we're nearing September and whatnot and if we're gonna be going to the playoffs and that. I would like to retire with another World Series win under my belt, but, the team has to bring it and want it too."

Jacob nodded, "For sure, man. I still can't believe it's your last season. But, you do have a family now and they come first." I nod in agreement. He was right.

***

Nadia always tells me to listen to my body when it's hurting, but, I never do. Then I pay the consequences.

I ended up tweaking up my back during the game going for a ball and ended up sliding on my stomach and regretting it immediately after. I knew it was dumb of me, but, someone had to make the play.

As I sat in the trainers room, waiting for them to come back with KT tape and ice, I just looked around, waiting to see if Nadia would come in and pull an I told you so moment. Seeing as though that's something she loves to do. Prove me wrong.

She walked in a couple of minutes later with the kids and just had the look of disappointment on her face. "I don't even need to say it, do I?"

I shook my head, "No ma'am, because I know exactly what you're thinking. I know, it was dumb."

"You okay, daddy?" Wyatt asked me, walking up by me. "You hit the ground really hard.."

"I'm fine, buddy! Just messed up my back a little. I'll be okay." I tell him, as I knew he got concerned whenever I hurt myself.

Wyatt nodded, "You can't do that! You gotta play baseball!" I chuckle a little, hearing him telling me what I had to do. He was such a comedic kid.

Nadia smiled, "You tell him, buddy! He needs to not hurt himself or he won't be able to play baseball at all!" She looked at me and I just rolled my eyes, shaking my head. "What? You know I'm right."

I nod, "I know, I know." I reply, "I'm gonna get some KT tape and some ice on it and I should be fine to play tomorrow."

"Alright," She sighed. I know she always was concerned about me and when I played baseball with a hurt back, but I still had yet to severely hurt myself. Hadn't done in a couple of years since I broke my knee-cap. But, I'll knock on wood for some good measures.

The trainer came back in with KT tape and ice, taping my back and gave me instructions on what to do for aftercare. I could tell Nadia's eyes were just staring into me, making sure I listened to what the trainer said. She was so paranoid with this shit.

When we got home, I set my bag down by the door and I went right into the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of water. Willow followed right behind me.

"Daddy, can we watch a movie?" She asked me, tugging on my shirt.

I turn and face her, "Of course, princess! You pick it out and I'll get some snacks ready. You want popcorn?"

Willow gasped, nodding quickly, "Yes, pwease!"

I nod and smile at her, walking to our pantry to grab some snacks as I heard her little feet run away from me, going to get comfy on the couch. I got the popcorn ready and went over by Willow who was cuddled up in her blankets. "Look at you, all ready for movies!"

She giggled and nodded, "Popcorn, daddy!" She smiled all cute at me as I moved to sit next to her, pulling her on my lap so we were both covered in the blanket.

"I'll be your chair for the movie," I say as I kiss her cheek. "Is mommy gonna come or your big brother?"

"I dunno, daddy. Maybe they sweep." Willow replied with her thumb in her mouth.

"I heard mommy.." Nadia said, walking over towards us and sat by my feet. "Wyatt's sleeping, but I would love to join you two for some movies!" She smiled at us.

Willow nodded, "Yes, mommy! You watch too!"

Nadia smiles at Willow, "I would love to! There's popcorn, so you know I gotta watch some movies!" She pokes Willows side, causing her to giggle. "You even get to lay on daddy, silly girl!"

Willow giggles again, laying her head back on my chest. I run my fingers through her hair and look over at Nadia who is already focused on the movie.

I definitely wouldn't complain if every night could be like this.