The Loser

The Loser

When Jae came home from school, he couldn't find his keys. What now? he thought. His parents wouldn't be home for an hour. Just then, Ron, the man who lived next door, walked past.

Jae had never really talked to Ron, but he knew Ron was friends with his father. Jae had watched his dad and Ron play cards together many times. I can't just sit out here, Jae thought to himself. Jae marched to Ron's door and knocked.

When it opened, Jae said, " Hi, Ron. I've lost my keys, and my parents aren't home. Could I wait here with you?" " Sure, " Ron said. Inside, Jae saw a baseball on a shelf.

Ron smiled when he saw Jae looking at it. " That one was signed by the '87 Minnesota Twins, right after the World Series, " he said. " Dad takes me to their games sometimes, " Jae said. “ Where did you get this?"

" I was a professional umpire for thirty years, " Ron answered. Jae's eyes widened as he asked, " An ump? In the '80s? Did you meet . . . " He began to pepper Ron with questions. Grinning, Ron answered them. He told Jae about past players, the things they said, and their good- luck charms.