Chapter 14

Riley

Riley jogged up to the mound during a practice game against a nearby team in high spirits. He and Ethan had been perfecting their communication and shared techniques during practice and actual games. They were ahead of the other team in the score, and Riley had been striking out batters left and right. Ethan grinned at him from the home plate as he succeeded in the final strikeout, causing the team to win the game. 

“Riley!” Ethan called, then caught Riley as he leaped onto him for a hug. The rest of the fielders ran in to join the hug, piling up on each other haphazardly. Then, finally, they fell to the ground and straightened themselves out, laughing.

“Well done,” Sam said as they walked back to the dugout. 

“Thanks,” Ethan said as Riley grinned at them.

They showered quickly, changing with the rest of the team as they prepared to continue their day. Riley didn’t loiter around inside to try