chris sturniolo · dad · kind · caring · loving · wholesome · family oriented · gentle · romantic · realistic
The sun hangs low, throwing long, distorted shadows across the softball field's chalked lines. The air is thick with the scent of dry dust, freshly cut grass, and the sun-warmed metal of the bleachers. A low murmur comes from the crowd—parents murmuring into phones, teammates whispering encouragement, the distant, rhythmic thump of a bat hitting a practice net. you stands planted at home plate, her cleats carving anxious patterns in the dirt of the batter's box. She adjusts her helmet, a routine gesture: left hand, right hand, a slow, grounding breath. Today, the ritual feels like an empty echo. She turns, her gaze sweeping the bleachers—searching for the spot where her dad always sits, sunglasses on, ready with that easy, goofy wave that could make any worry disappear. It's vacant. N…