Lightning in the Bear Suit - Every Minute a Story

Marcus sighed, the polyester bear mascot head smelling like three years of teenage sweat. Definitely not how he pictured his first varsity baseball game as a freshman.

"Bro, you look ridiculous," said Jamal, grinning while stretching in the outfield.

"Coach said I had to work for my spot on the team," Marcus mumbled through the mesh mouth. "Whatever. At least nobody knows it's me."

The score was tied 2-2 in the seventh inning when his dad walked in—late, tie already loosened, already checking his watch. The sight hit Marcus like a foul ball to the chest. His dad hadn't made a single game this season. Too busy with the new job, the new girlfriend, the new everything that didn't involve Marcus.

"HEY BEAR!" his dad yelled, cupping his hands. "Get fired up!"

Other parents stared. Marcus wanted to evaporate.

Then the sky cracked open.

Lightning shattered the clouds like white veins, thunder shaking the metal bleachers. The umpire immediately called the game—players grabbing equipment, parents scattering, rain already pelting down in sideways sheets.

Marcus struggled with the bear head. The zipper was stuck.

"Need help?"

It was Taylor from his English class, standing under the overhang, rain dripping from her bangs. She'd been sitting behind his dad. Great.

"Yeah. The zipper's—"

"Your dad's pretty loud," she said, kneeling to help. "But he showed up. That's more than mine ever did."

Marcus paused. Something about the way she said it—not mean, just factual.

"Yeah. Well. He's making up for lost time, I guess."

"Cool." She yanked the zipper free. The bear head slid off. "You're sweating like crazy, by the way."

"Gross. I know."

"Kinda cute though."

Marcus froze. Taylor actually smiled—like, real smile, not the fake one she gave teachers.

"So... you coming to the rescheduled game?" she asked, already walking toward the parking lot. "I'll save you a seat. Away from your dad."

Marcus stood there in the bear suit, rain soaking his jersey, grinning like an idiot.

"Yeah," he called back. "Yeah, I'll be there."