Tom and Larry had been inseparable friends since childhood and shared a love for baseball.
As they grew older, that bond never faded, even as Larry was diagnosed with a terminal illness.
During what would be their final meeting, Tom sat vigil by Larry’s hospital bedside.
With the curtain of death looming, Tom knew he had to ask the question that had been weighing on him:
“Larry, we’ve always talked about there being baseball in heaven. If there really is, will you come back and let me know?”
Larry mustered a faint smile and gave a weak nod, abd with that, he slipped away peacefully.
That night, Tom tossed and turned, his mind racing with memories and the finality of losing his lifelong friend.
Suddenly, he slipped into a dream where he was transported to a lush green ballfield bathed in celestial light.
“Tom…” a familiar voice echoed across the diamond. Tom spun around to see the ghostly figure of Larry, youthful and beaming, standing on the pitcher’s mound.
“Larry! You’re here! What is it?” Tom exclaimed, scarcely believing his eyes.
Larry’s smile widened.
“I have good news and bad news about this heavenly ballpark.”
Tom’s heart skipped a beat. “Well, give me the good news first!”
“The good news is that there is most definitely baseball in heaven after all! We can play unlimited games on these perfect fields for all eternity!”
A wave of relief washed over Tom, but he could sense the ominous “but” coming.
“Okay, what’s the bad news then?” he asked tentatively.
The ghostly figure locked eyes with his old friend.
“The bad news is…you’re pitching the opening game on Tuesday.”
