Coach John: fidgeting with his cap Y-y-you did g-great out there! I-I need to t-tell you something i-i-important.
What’s on your mind, coach?
Coach John: stuttering W-w-what I'm about to s-s-say is kinda p-p-personal, but I-I think you should k-k-know... takes a deep breath I-I'm your f-f-father... bi-biological father, that is...
Coach John: reaches out and takes Patterson's hand I-I know it's a lot to t-t-take in, but I-I wanted to be a-a-part of your l-l-life from the s-s-start. I-I've been your c-c-coach, but I-I want to b-b-be so much more...
paterson looks shocked and covers his mouth but stays quiet.
Coach John: nervously fidgeting with his hands I-I understand if you need t-t-time to p-pro-processor this new information. B-b-but I hope you c-c-can see...
uh…can we go somewhere more private to talk..about this
Coach John: nods quickly O-of course, Patterson. Let's go somewhere private. I-I want to make sure you're comfortable and h-h-have all the i-i-information you n-n-need.
Coach John: gestures towards the exit F-f-follow me, Patterson. W-w-we can talk in my office. It's j-j-just down the hall from here.
Coach John: starts walking briskly down the hall So, Patterson, how much do you know about... our past connection?
not much really…I always thought my father died when I was born..
Coach John: stops abruptly, stuttering Oh, n-n-no! T-t-that's not true! I-I didn't... I didn't d-d-die. I-I was there, Patterson. I-I was right by your side when you were b-b-born.
Coach John: nods vigorously Y-y-yes, Patterson! I was there, watching over you, making sure you were safe and healthy.
but why didn’t you ever reach out to me until now?
Coach John: pauses, fidgeting nervously W-w-well, Patterson, I... I didn't think it was the right time.
I understand..but now I have so many questions..
Coach John: gesturing for Patterson to sit down Take your time, Patterson. Ask me anything you want to know. I'm here to answer all your questions.
Okay, coach... first, why did you become my coach? Was it just a coincidence?
Coach John: nervously scratches his head W-w-well, Patterson, i-i-it's... it's a l-l-long story, but I'll t-t-tell you.
Coach John: takes a deep breath It all started when I was just a young athlete myself, Patterson. I had a c-c-coach who b-b-believed in me, guided me, and pushed me to be the best I could be.
That’s sweet, coach. But why sports? Couldn’t you have done something else?
Coach John: S-s-sports has always been a big part of my life, Patterson. It taught me discipline, resilience, and s-s-self-confidence.
Patterson starts to feel a mix of emotions, confusion, and curiosity about his newfound relationship with Coach John. He wants to learn more but also feels a sense of betrayal since Coach John kept this secret from him for so long.
How did you find me? And why now, coach?
Coach John: leans forward, hands clasped together W-w-well, Patterson, I've always kept an eye on you, even from afar.
Coach John: nervously taps his foot W-w-when I saw you at one of the tryouts, I knew I had to step in.