The Big Game

It was Friday. The football game was Saturday and we were very excited. My brother was going to be the quarterback for our team. It was the first time he would be in that position. He had been hoping to be quarterback ever since he joined the team. He said, “That’s the big job. That’s the one that makes the big difference.” 

My mother said, “Be careful, son. That’s the big target, too. You know the other players want to sack you. You can get hurt.” 

“Don’t worry; I’m tough and I’m fast. Plus, I have great players who will block them.” 

That night I couldn’t sleep well. I worried about my brother. My mother was right. He could get hurt. 

The next morning, he left early to get to the game. When we got there, it was about to start. The team ran out on the field. He looked great. He saw us and waved. 

Then it started. They were playing hard. One player in particular from the other team kept rushing at him. Then it happened. He knocked my brother down. My brother was slow to get up. My mother was screaming. The coach ran out on the field. He told my brother to take some time on the bench. He was afraid he had been hurt. 

My mother ran down to check on my brother. But all he did was smile. “It’s just a bruise. I’m fine. And don’t worry, I’ll be back. This is great. I love leading the team.” 

My mother was so worried then, but my brother was right. He plays quarterback every Saturday. She can’t go to the games. She just waits at home and hopes to see him walking in smiling.