[SwimTeamSpeedo]

The send off concert went perfectly. It was at the college auditorium. It was also broadcasted across the internet for families, like Chris’s, who could not make the trip. After intermission, the band opened with Pictures at an Exhibition. Chris had the lead trumpet solo. He played it powerfully, breaking the silence of the auditorium with the enticing sound of a single trumpet. His solos was answered by Len, who was stationed in the back of the auditorium, creating the true effect of music surrounding the audience. It was fantastic. Sheri beamed with pride as she watched Chris play. He was now dressed in blue pants, a white shirt, and a red jacket, with a red white and blue striped tie. “The same colors he had on today,” she smiled. He looked stunning. He played even better.

“You were amazing,” Sheri told him as she gave him a hug in the lobby afterwards.

“Thanks for coming,” Chris replied. It meant so much to have you here.”

“I would not have missed it,” Sheri answered. They hugged again.

“We don’t leave tomorrow until three,” Chris told her.

“I am at the pool all day, but maybe we can have lunch,” Sheri answered. “You will come swimming n the morning, right.”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” he replied with a smile.

“Wear something sexy,” she replied.

“I have just the suit picked out, already.” They kissed as she said her goodbye and headed off.

The band had all mostly departed. Chris was alone heading back to his dorm. It was dark, the walkways lit only by the lanterns spaced every 50 feet or so. For some reason, Chris felt totally alone.

“Hey,” a voice broke the silence from behind and Chris heard footsteps approaching fast. His heart started racing. It was a stern voice. Sounded like it meant business. Chris stopped and turned. A tall man, older, in his fifties approached.

“Chris, I am Len’s dad. He told me about what you did. I just wanted to thank you for going to bat for him.”

“Len’s a great trumpet player. We can really do some cool stuff together,” Chris responded. His heart started to slow. He was relieved it was only Len’s dad.

“I love my son, but I keep telling him he needs a bit more humility, He can be a real jerk sometimes. When he told me about you, I told him he should learn from what you did.”

“We are fine now, Chris replied.”

“You played great tonight. Have a great trip.”

Chris turned to continue his journey. Len’s dad headed back toward the auditorium. Ahead of him a younger guy, about Chris’s age headed the same direction. The younger guy’s plan foiled by the unexpected visit from Len’s dad. Time was running out.

“Maybe at the pool,” thought the lone stranger.