(no subject)

[seymoure]

8.

After the gym cleared out some of the boys got together for a pick up game of basketball.

Mickey wasn’t in the game because he didn’t really enjoy the game. But he liked the community of boys that existed around the game. Several guys and some girls sat on the bleachers and talked.

“So, you know the dragon pretty well?” A girl he had seen in class asked him.

“Rugglestump, yeah,” He answered and fished into his pocket, retrieving a couple of dragon pearls and showing them to the group. “These are his dragon pearls,” Mickey announced.

The presentation garnered a full range of reaction. From “Wow,” to “Oh, I have one of those back in my room.”

Before the conversation could go any farther, Hank McCraken entered, and sat at the far end of the bleachers. The large man who had been described as “The Ton” seemed to be watching the game.

The girls sitting near Mickey were aghast at the man’s presence.

“I can’t believe they let that monster wonder around free without warning anybody.”

“Why is he a monster?” Mickey demanded.

“He killed people, they say,” A boy declared.

“Who?”

“Nobody knows, he . . . buried them.” The girl tried to argue.

Mickey didn’t say anything else.

He stood up and walked over to the man.

“Hi,” Mickey said, and hoped that that quaver in his voice wasn’t noticeable outside of his head.

“Hi,” the confused man whispered.

“I’m Mickey.”

“I’m Hank. Hank McCraken.” The big man said, without offering his hand. He was clearly not comfortable with meeting people.

“Like basketball?” Mickey asked.

“I like baseball,” Hank said and a wistful smile came over him.

“I play centerfield, my brother is a first baseman.” Mickey bubbled.

Hank looked at him.

“That’s great, it’s a great game.” He leaned in to say, “I saw the Cubs in person a couple of times.”

“Big Cubs fan,” Mickey said, “But I wish the Royals were better.”

“George Brett, Frank White, I love the ‘85 Royals.”

“World Champs!” Mickey grinned.

“Damn Straight!” Hank agreed.

“Damn Straight!” Mickey echoed.

© 2005 by C. Wayne Owens