Hearts Aglow (Large Print)

Hearts Aglow

One of the many Foster cousins stepped to the mound to pitch. He threw the first ball, which was immediately declared a strike by the officiating umpire Mr. Huebbner. As the local schoolmaster, Curtis Huebbner had called many a ballgame in the past.

The next pitch split the air with a loud crack as Abraham sent the ball slicing out across the open air. He ran for first base, then rounded second for third before the ball was retrieved. Picking up speed, Abraham slid into third while those gathered nearby cheered. Deborah clapped, as did several of the other people around her, but most of the white people remained silent. The next two players were quickly struck out, but the third man managed to drive the ball into right field, allowing Abraham to reach home plate. The Sawyers were on the board.

For the next six innings, things went well, but when the seventh found the score tied four to four, conflict began to stir. Name calling, at first jovial and teasing, became more meanspirited and derogatory.

Pastor Shattuck asked the men to put aside such comments, but the truce didn’t last for long. Then when the teams changed places in the bottom of the inning and the Razorbacks stepped to the plate, a disaster struck on the first pitch. The ball slammed into the shoulder of John Stevens and knocked him to the ground. Although John did not see it as a personal attack, others on the teams were livid and rushed to the pitcher’s mound to see their form of justice done.

In turn, many of the Sawyers players came forward to assist their comrade and soon fists were swinging. Deborah watched in horror as Pastor Shattuck tried in vain to calm the men. It wasn’t until Zed Perkins fired a shotgun in the air that some semblance of order settled upon them once again. By then, no one felt much like continuing the game.

“It’s very nearly time for the dinner bell,” Mr. Perkins announced. “I’d suggest we call this game a tie and begin eatin’.”

Murmurs coursed throughout the crowd and a general consensus of approval was evident. The men separated hesitantly, each going to their assigned team places.

“I think I should see to the Sawyers and their wounds,” Christopher told her as he got to his feet. “A couple of those men look to have taken the worst of it to their faces.”

“Can I be of any assistance?” she asked.

He looked at her sadly. “It wouldn’t be acceptable, Deborah. Why don’t you go save us a place to enjoy our meal?” He gave her a weak smile before heading off.

Deborah frowned and let out a heavy sigh. Would this town ever see it as acceptable for a young, single woman doctor to tend a man— even in the open company of others?

“Why am I bothering to learn how to heal folks if they’ll never accept help from me?” she muttered under her breath. Thankfully no one seemed to notice. The last thing she wanted was to stir up yet another controversy for the day.

Hearts Aglow
Copyright © 2011
Tracie Peterson