Stealing Home

Read Stealing Home for Free Online Page B

Book: Read Stealing Home for Free Online
Authors: Todd Hafer
B?”
    “Because you said the word died. You know, it seems like lots of people are afraid of that word. They say ‘passed away,’ ‘went to his reward,’ or ‘found his rest.’ As if softening the words will soften the pain, alter the reality of what happened.”
    “Yeah. But in the end, you die.”
    “True. But then you live again.”
    “My mom was so sure of that. I have my doubts sometimes. But she knew. She told me that. And she was always honest. When I start to question heaven and everything, I remind myself that my mom would never lie about something that important.”
    Blake nodded solemnly.
    Cody stood and backed toward the door. “So, I have practice in a few. Before I go, are you going to tell me how I’m going to get through this Saturday, or not?”
    “I don’t know, Cody. But I believe God will show you a way. Just as he did for me.”
    “How did you do it?”
    Blake pointed to the doorway. “That’s a story for another day. Go to practice. You don’t get to practice much once the season starts, so take advantage of the time. By the way, sorry I couldn’t make your last game. How’s the rib? I heard you got beaned last week.”
    Cody shrugged. “It only hurts when I cough. Or laugh.”
    Blake nodded.
    “Or breathe.”
    Blake smiled paternally. “Just stop doing those things and you should be fine.”
    “Thanks for your compassion, B.”
    “Hey, seriously, I can tape those ribs for you if you want. Remember, I was a trainer for my high school basketball team one year.”
    “Aw, I don’t know, man—”
    Blake popped to his feet. “Sit down, dude. We have some tape and stuff in the first aid kit. Prepare to be mummified.”
    Even with Blake’s “mummy special,” practice brought agony for Cody. He winced every time he threw the ball, and the first time he swung during batting practice, the pain almost robbed him of his breath. It felt like someone was driving a railroad spike into his side.
    Coach Lathrop probably would have yelled at him, but he seemed more intent on reading an auto racing magazine while he sat sullenly in the dugout.
    Pork Chop approached Cody after practice and gently laid a hand on his shoulder. “Dawg, are you sure you shouldn’t get those ribs X-rayed or something?”
    Cody carefully drew in a breath. “Nah, it’s okay. They’re getting better. Yesterday the pain was devastating. Today it’s only excruciating. Besides, I think Dad’s too busy to take me to the doctor. If he’s not working crazy hours, he and Beth are off doing something. Dates or whatever.” Cody sighed heavily. “Date. I hate that word.”
    Pork Chop nodded understandingly. “I know that’s gotta be weird to you, my brother. But I bet it’s helping your dad deal with his pain. Love’s good for pain, man.”
    The words rang in Cody’s ears.
    “Code—dawg,” he heard Pork Chop saying now. “Are you okay?”
    Cody blinked. “Huh?”
    “Where did you just go in your mind, man? You got this far-off look in your eyes.”
    “I guess I was just thinking—wondering.”
    “About what?”
    “Lots of things. Like why Murph wasn’t at practice today. I’m worried. His mom is sick. Really sick.”
    Cody checked phone messages as soon as he got home. The fourth one was from AJ Murphy. His voice was weak and hoarse. “Cody, I just felt like I should call you. She’s gone. My mom’s gone. Would you mind telling Coach? My dad, he’s not doing well. I don’t want to ask him to do anything right now. Anyway, thanks for everything. I gotta go now. Bye.”
    Cody burned up the phone lines for the next two hours. Blake was the first call. He promised he would reach out to the Murphy family and work with the people at the funeral home to make arrangements for the service.
    Then he tried to call AJ, but no one was answering at the Murphy home. The next day, with the Lincoln game and the Dreaded Anniversary only two days away, Cody learned that the service would be held Sunday afternoon,

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