29 Comments
author

For the record, this is *not* the big writing project I've been alluding to working on, but it was a fun way to work a few things out and get loose again. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

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Mar 25Liked by Scott Hines

Just couldn't resist getting some drive-by emotional terrorism in there at the end, could you?

This was all just so lovely, Scott. Truly a joy to read.

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author

Thank you! (And you know I couldn't help it.)

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Mar 25Liked by Scott Hines

Dude, you stuck the landing on this. A really enjoyable read.

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author

Thank you!

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Mar 25Liked by Scott Hines

"if you buy a hot dog and a slice of pizza from the concession stand and wrap the hot dog in the pizza," and if you cover it in some jack cheese, you've got cheesy blasters.

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"cheesy blasters" sounds like the unexpected outcome rather than the meal.

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Mar 25Liked by Scott Hines

We need a spin-off short story featuring Chris and all of his frankenstein’d ballpark food creations. Don’t know where you’d find any of the inspiration, though…

This was a tremendous story, Scott. I was so excited to get to the next installment each week. Looking forward to the next literary journey you take us on!

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Mar 25Liked by Scott Hines

Check out footy scran if you're on Twitter. It's worth the follow

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Mar 25Liked by Scott Hines

Wonderful conclusion! I really enjoyed this story. It was definitely worth waiting a month to get to the conclusion.

Also, the text group is still painfully accurate! Can you just say you're coming to the game? No, you have to spend 90% of the text chat harassing your friends before finally coming out and saying you're coming to the game.

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Mar 25Liked by Scott Hines

Others have properly highlighted the overall quality of the story, but as a Twins fan I'd like to show special appreciation for the White Sox hate.

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author

predator-handshake-meme.jpg

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Mar 25Liked by Scott Hines

Great work, Scott. Really enjoyed this. Fun AND emotional terrorism, the alpha of the ACBN form.

If there were a way to buy this story in one piece so I could share it with friends I'd be into that, just saying.

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author

Thank you! For what it's worth, I published these outside the paywall, so feel free to share!

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Mar 25Liked by Scott Hines

Oooh, thank you! Going to do that, then.

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Mar 25Liked by Scott Hines

This was so wonderful Scott! I was actually anxious, worried about what let-down was in store for Garrett, either his wish expiring at a crucial moment or some other catastrophe to ruin his new life as the greatest. But you brought it around perfectly, with that sweet wise life affirming twist that gave me goosebumps. Thanks for this lovely parable.

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author

Thank you so much!

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Scott, I just loved this. Seriously, man -- so, so good.

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author

Thank you!

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Mar 25Liked by Scott Hines

What a great way to conlcude the story, Scott.

I was afraid we were going to end up where the talent just poofed out of existence, leaving Garrett regretting his wish in the first place. So glad you're not as dark as this guy. I liked that we really don't know if the gift ever left.

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Mar 25Liked by Scott Hines

Oh sure of course the cute short story turns into Monday morning emotional terrorism I should've expected that.

Great read as always Scott! Happy week!

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author

the poison was already in the glass, etc.

(thank you, and happy monday to you too!)

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Mar 25Liked by Scott Hines

I don't just voluntarily read your work I pay you to make me cry at least once a week there really is only one person at fault here. (and I am so, so glad for it because it makes my weeks brighter, and has given me the title of "Most Inexplicable Trip To Louisville, at Least to People Who Aren't Terminally Online")

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Mar 25Liked by Scott Hines

I'm assuming you worked in a SkyRosa reference and a Tom Hamilton reference in the same installment. It's perfection. Well done.

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author

real ones know

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and us Clevelanders all said "Joey" even though he typed "Albert"

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Mar 25Liked by Scott Hines

Also, bravo, this is very well done.

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Text chain after the missed no hitter:

Brian: man, I can’t believe you missed that

Danny: have you tried doing LSD before a game

Danny: because it worked for Dock Ellis

Mike: it’s made by scientists, so it’s basically a vitamin

Garrett: I’m pretty sure they test for that, and a guy in his 40’s playing high level baseball is suspicious enough already

Danny: plus, it’s probably all fentanyl now, you’d need years to build an immunity

Brian: and LSD is so 70’s chic

Brian: you need something more now

Mike: is pitching a no hitter on Ozempic impressive?

Chris: oh good if you get some can we share

Chris: did you know that if you’re nice to the concession workers they’ll fill a souvenir cup with nacho cheese

Garrett: I’m worried about you

Chris: you can mix a shot of rum with it, top with a squeeze of lime

Danny: did you go this far to make a Nacho Libre (2006) joke

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Shoulda known this was gonna end in emotional terrorism. Excellent read, really enjoyed it.

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