To the basketball court

You headed straight ahead. You paused as you pass the doors on your right. Hearing something, you opened one of the doors to the gym. Knowing that the coach was sensitive about tracks on floor, you wiped your shoes well before stepping out on the hardwood. Linda did the same.

You started to look around. The stands that hold about 12,000 were dark. Not surprising since the only time they were lit was when there was a home game or more often when the coach was having someone run the bleachers. To one side were a couple long benches. They were seating for the teams during the game. Now, they were empty of course. Between them was the scorer’s table. The controls for the scoreboard were locked away. In the spot where they would have sat were a couple backpacks.

“Look OUT!” A voice called out from the far end of the court. You whirled. Instinctively you pushed Linda aside as you saw something coming at you. You went flying as it caught you squarely in the face. You ended up flat on your back…stunned. Your left hand was resting on something round and soft. It was nearly a minute before you could move your head to look over to see what you were holding.