It was five o'clock in the morning before Sam Malone got back from the bar that fateful night. He found it ironic that just a few hours before he was talking with his closest friends about the meaning of life. He was so fascinated how everyone of them perceived it. What kept them going through the good, the bad and the plain old mundane. God bless his friend's souls. He was thankful for all the years of laughter, insight, loyalty and friendship they have given him over the years.
God bless his bar. Even as he was transitioning from addiction to sobreity it was a place of comfort for him. The only place in the world where he can run the joint and yet be an equal. It was his soft landing when the world of baseball knocked him on his ass. He thought he would never get over that feeling of rejection. Everyone ran away from him when he needed support the most. Ernie Pantusso would be the only one that would see him throughout his life's journey.
Dear, sweet Coach, he thought to himself, how I miss you. He started to tear up about the little things. His calming belly rub before a game; how after each arguement would end with a rousing randition of "Home on the Range"; how he would literally kick him in the ass whenever he was being untrue to himself. He could go on and on about how wonderful he was. A surge of warmth shoots through his body as he thinks of his beloved friend and mentor.
I love you, too, Coach.
A memory of a picture flashes through his mind. He hurries to his bedroom dresser to find it. Under the pillowcases and fitted sheets, there it is. It's a picture of the girl he let go only hours before. He took this picture of Diane after the first time they made love. He woke up to find her wrapped in his bedsheet, sitting on the windowsill, looking out into the Boston night. The lights from the skyline lit up her face and hair and she looked like an angel. He has to smile to himself. She never knew he was taking that photo and he never showed it to her. His heart filled with love for Diane and he started to tear up.
I will always love you, Diane. I know we didn't make it but you have a permanant spot on my heart and soul. I'll always be grateful for the years I knew you.
He looked up to see the morning light from the horizon above the skyline. A new day was starting as it always has. That was the city of Boston for you; strong, resilient, welcoming. It was Sam's home and he wouldn't have it any other way. He begins to undress and hop into bed. He was going to bed alone this morning and he was okay with that. Life's been good to him so far.