Mizuno
By Stephen Ground
Oh, dear.
Huh? Dad grunted, behind the Sunday Sun.
That was Eric.
Dad folded the paper, peered over smudgy glasses.
And?
Mom hesitated.
He has something to...tell us.
He’s totally gay, Annie chirped from the kitchen.
Why would you say that?
He’s been at college two years, and no girlfriend, Annie said, leaping through the door. Have you even heard him mention a girl?
He’s his father’s son, Dad said, fanning to the funnies. Nothing to worry about.
I think he misses us, said Mom.
He probably needs money, said Dad.
Mom returned to her needlepoint. Annie bounced out.
I want to introduce you to someone, Eric said, barely in the door. He had arrived alone. Despite this, Annie whispered Told ya! under Dentyne breath; Mom elbowed her silent.
You might not believe this, he said, but I’ve known them a long time. Actually...you all know them.
Bring her in, said Dad, clapping Eric on the shoulder. We’d love to meet her.
Mom appeared at Dad’s side, smiling – Annie popped a bubble. Eric smiled, sheepish, knelt beside his bag, rooted to the bottom – paused, unearthed an old, worn baseball mitt. He held it towards
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