Short Story

Heads Up

Nancy's Notes đŸ–ŠïžđŸŽ¶

Written for Kevin’s No Theme Thursday 10.24.24.
We’re offered incredibly creative images to inspire
and get our writing juices flowing. This is my story.

© Kevin @ No Theme Thursday

“Hey, Nate! Watcha doin’ out here?” I asked my father-in-law. He was sitting on an old wicker chair under a birch tree, his best pal Otis by his side guarding a basket of pumpkins. “Weather’s changin’ fast, ain’t it?”

I could tell right away Nate was far off in another dusty corner of his mind; I didn’t want to push the conversation. Truth was, my wife Kelly was getting worried when her dad didn’t come back up to the house for his afternoon coffee.  

He looked up at me and recognition set it. “Hey, Lucas! I must have lost track of time. It’s such a gorgeous afternoon.” And he offered one of his rare but stunning smiles; we don’t see them nearly as often as we used to since Kelly’s mom passed away. Nate started his slow descent into dementia soon after.

“How about we head back to the house, Nate? Coffee’s ready and the ballgame’s about to start.”

“That’s right, Lucas! The Yankees against the goddamn Los Angeles Dodgers. This is gonna be a great series; I can feel it in my bones!”

It was like old times with Nate at that moment, me and him talking baseball, and I was thrilled to have him back and focused.

“You got that right, Nate! Aaron Boone’s managing has them hungry for that pennant! A win will sure make up for last year’s disappointing season.”

It was like he hadn’t heard me.

“I’m telling you, Lucas, with a skipper like Casey Stengel, Yogi catching and Whitey on the mound … why, there’s no way they can lose. Imagine back-to-back Word Series championships!” Hank laughed.

And just like that, he was gone again, back in 1953. I put my arm around his shoulder as we trudged up to the house, Otis up ahead chasing a field mouse.

I better text Kelly, give her a heads up.

NAR©2024

No Theme Thursday: 10.24.24

This is “Centerfield” by John Fogerty

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.



42 thoughts on “Heads Up”

  2. Pingback: NTT Showcase: 10.24.24 Edition – The Beginning At Last

  5. I so appreciate the many characters and story scenarios you give voice to, Nancy. My third novella will include the topic of dementia. I want to do right by that story which I hope to publish in 2026. 💝

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    1. Sincere thanks, Michele. This is a topic with so much depth … the incredible sorrow, anger, fear and hope which is experienced throughout the course of each day. It’s a ghastly disease, one which has now visited my family. It’s terribly sad to see my sister’s husband struggling with dementia; my heart breaks for them. ❀‍đŸ©č

      Wishing you every success with your new novella! đŸ€©

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  9. Heartbreaking in its familiarity. At least the gentle setting, inviting the melding of his inner and their outer worlds, leaves him happy and calm. There’s an important lesson here that’s backed up by clinical research on easing the ravages of dementia.

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    1. Beautiful comment here, Liz. Thank you!

      When my mom was diagnosed, the doctor suggested we do not correct her when she made mistakes; doing so only further confused her. When she talked about my did as though he was still alive, we never reminded her that he had died; it would only be like him dying all over again for her. This is a horrible disease that takes a tremendous toll on everyone. There is still much to be learned.

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