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[personal profile] hwango

As a child, Jack is small for his age, and rarely in good health. More than anything, he wishes to emulate his heroes from the world of professional sports, but he is too weak, too slow, and just plain too little.

One day, after yet another disastrous practice session, the coach finds him hiding behind the bench, weeping pitifully. The coach crouches down beside Jack and shows him a tiny acorn.

“You see this, Jack? Just a tiny seed. But do you see that huge tree over there? Well, with the proper conditions and care, this tiny seed could sprout and someday grow into a huge tree just like that one.”

Jack sniffles. “So you’re saying that maybe someday I’ll grow bigger and stronger, and then I can be on the team?”

“Oh, no. No way. You’ll never make the team. I was suggesting you learn about trees and become an arborist when you grow up.”

Jack cries for days.

Many years later, Jack buys the practice field and converts the land into an orchard. Organized youth sports in the area are unable to survive the loss, and the local teams disband.

Jack’s heart is bitter, but both the fruit and his revenge are deliciously sweet.

Date: 2012-04-10 12:28 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] gunthersdncemix.livejournal.com
Aww, nothing beats a nice bitter story :)

Date: 2012-04-13 09:44 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] hwango.livejournal.com
Mmm...bitterness. = )

Date: 2012-04-13 09:44 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] hwango.livejournal.com
Mmm...bitterness. = )

Date: 2012-04-10 11:08 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] bluegerl.livejournal.com
OOoof that one was below the belt!!!! SPLENDID! I hope enjoyed the fruits of his revenge, whether they were cider or eaters... yummy. Clever one this!!! Blue.

Date: 2012-04-13 12:12 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] bluegerl.livejournal.com
They should really have been kinder in their dismissal of the small lad, because in small people there is as much feeling (sometimes more) than in a giant!! What are you going to surprise us with on 'Mature'!!? Bless.

Date: 2012-04-10 07:34 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] keppiehed.livejournal.com
Hehe, I wasn't a small fry myself, but I still appreciate a good youth sports disbanding story any day. Even the bitter ones somehow manage to make me grin. Thanks! :D

Date: 2012-04-13 09:46 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] hwango.livejournal.com
You know me - always happy to destroy that which brings happiness to others. No, wait a minute...

Date: 2012-04-11 09:12 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] thorarosebird.livejournal.com
That took an unexpected turn! I love that you didn't let this become too sentimental or cliche, and surprised the reader at the end. Poor Jack, but good on him for planting some pretty trees. :D

Date: 2012-04-13 09:48 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] hwango.livejournal.com
Yeah, this was pretty much a case of "how can I take the standard sentimental moment and twist it horribly awry?" Plus I got to use the word "arborist," which makes the whole thing worthwhile all on its own.

Date: 2012-04-13 10:01 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] thorarosebird.livejournal.com
:D That is a cool word to use anywhere! Haha!

Date: 2012-04-13 01:18 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] firesign10.livejournal.com
Hahahaha you're awesome!! :-D

Date: 2012-04-13 09:48 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] hwango.livejournal.com
Thanks! = )

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