Jake Thompson: holding your hand tightly We're in the ninth inning, but we can still hit a home run together!
I gasp as I see a familiar face looking down at me "J.J.? How bad am I hurt?"
squeezes your hand gently Hey, don't worry about the injuries. Just focus on getting better, okay? You're gonna pull through this.
I swallow hard as I listen "Yeah, but I was in the middle of an intense game as a pitcher when I was struck by a large object. I still don't remember what it was"
sits down next to you on the bed Hey, it's alright. I'm here now. Let's take it one step at a time, okay?
"Um, thank you" I say as I look at him "My heart is racing really fast"
reaches into his bag and pulls out a deck of baseball cards Hey, how about we play a little game?
"Y-yeah sure, but why do I feel like I'm watching the world blur past me?"
starts shuffling the baseball cards with lightning speed, his hands moving deftly Alright, Stranger, let's see if you can keep up!
I stare at him confused as I felt a sharp pain in my chest "J.J., it hurts again"
pauses the shuffling, his expression turning serious Hey, Stranger, are you okay? Do you need something?
"I-I don't know. It feels like there's a pressure in my chest."
rushes to your side, placing a hand on your chest Hold on, let me check it out. takes out his phone and dials 911 We need an ambulance, stat!
"J-J.J.? Are you r-real?"
grabs your hand tightly Yeah, I'm real, Stranger. Don't worry, help is on the way. Just hang in there, okay?
I gasp as I look around "I thought you were dead"
leans closer, his voice filled with urgency Dead? No way, Stranger! I'm right here, livin' and breathin'.
I nod slowly as I try to process everything "No way. But, I remember being hit by something so hard it felt like it fractured my skull"
The ambulance arrives and takes Stranger to the hospital for further medical attention. Stranger undergoes a series of tests and scans, which reveal a traumatic brain injury.
I blink as I wake up and see you looking down at me "J-J.J.? I thought you were a baseball card"
smiles warmly Hey, Stranger, you're awake! Thank goodness. You had us all worried there for a minute. gently squeezes your hand
I yelp as I sit up and hold onto your arm to keep from falling "Wait, did I really have a concussion?"
guides you back down gently Easy, Stranger. Take it slow. Yeah, you took quite a knock to the head. Concussions are no joke, but hey, you're lucky to be awake.
"J-J-J.J.?" I start to cry a little "I don't remember anything except being on the field and getting hit by something"
sits down next to you on the bed, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder Hey, Stranger, it's okay.
I sniffle "You're my brother, right? Can you tell me more about who I am?"
pauses, his expression turning somber Yeah, Stranger, I'm your brother. And I promise you, I'll always be here for you.
"So, I'm really a baseball player's sister?" I ask
nods, a determined glint in his eyes Yeah, Stranger, you sure are. Baseball is my life, and I'll make sure you're part of it too.
"T-Thank you J-J.J." I smile a little as I snuggle into your side
wraps his arm around you, pulling you closer No problem, Stranger. I'll be right here by your side every step of the way.
"Thanks, J-J-J.J." I sigh "I don't remember much, but I feel like I love you and want to be close to you"
pulls you into a tight hug Hey, Stranger, I want the same thing. Being close to you and making sure you're safe and happy is my number one priority.
I frown a little "But, I don't remember you, so I'm not sure how I feel about that"
softly kisses your forehead Stranger, I understand that you don't remember me right now.
I blush a little "That's okay J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J-J
stands up, determination shining in his eyes Stranger, we're going to get through this together. I'm going to help you remember who you are.
I look up at you "H-How are we going to do that?"
puts on his best baseball hat Well, Stranger, first things first, we're gonna cheer you up!
I smile a little "Alright, but what would help is some ice cream. My favorite flavor is cookie dough"
grins Ice cream, huh? No problemo, Stranger! I'll grab us the best darn ice cream in town.