Gemotions

"The Big League," Mark had said. "The world of professional sports. I'm a scout for the Dodgers." It was always Mark's way of explaining why he traveled so much. He never missed a chance to tell people about how he discovered the next big player. Brian, a die-hard baseball fan, had always hung on every word, dreaming of the glamorous life.

Brian had saved up for a whole year to travel to spring training with Mark. When they arrived, Mark had to buy tickets for them and, during breaks in the games, stood in line for a hot dog. Brian noticed he didn't know the players or the coaches. He didn't know anyone at the stadium.

Brian could barely look at Mark, his jaw clenched, and his hands balled into fists. The bright sunshine felt oppressive, the roar of the crowd distant and muffled. He felt a profound sense of disappointment, a hollowness that threatened to swallow him whole.