Over the next weeks and months I'm releasing an unpublished novel, chapter by chapter, evoking the era when books were first published in magazines - a style that Stephen King, Hunter Thompson, and Thomas Wolfe utilized during their storied careers. My fictional tale follows Matt Wilson - a teenager who began his freshman year of high school in 1973 - pursuing a sport he never knew existed. He quickly learned he possessed an innate talent that none of his teammates did, able to accomplish astounding feats because of this trait.
Prologue
“Mommy, why is the trophy all black?” Mary Ann was pointing, her nose pressed against the glass display case at East High School. “The other ones are so shiny and this one is so yucky.”
Liz took a deep breath and sighed, staring at the neatly folded gold t-shirt laying beside it, reading the words in her head.
“It was in a fire.” She turned towards her son and ruffled his hair. “Matt, can you read what it says on the trophy?” In a childish voice he spoke the words.
“1978 Iowa High School Cross Country.” Liz cued him. “Champ...ions.” He looked at his mother and smiled proudly.
“Very good! Now, can you read what it says on the picture?” Matt stared at the photo, focusing on the words.
“East High State…” Liz whispered when he looked at her. “Champ…yun…ship.”
“Champ…ionship Team Mem…bers – Coach Raffensperger” Matt looked up his mother, a nod confirming that was the track coach. She helped him through the name and then he continued. “Chris Stevenson, Brian Wilkinson…” Matt turned to his mother again. “Is that Mr. Wilkinson?”
“No, that’s his son. Just like you are my son.” He nodded, thinking before he resumed.
“Danny Skogstad, Scott Skogstad” He paused, looking at his mom. “Skogstad, that’s Grandma’s name!” He smiled.
“Yes, Danny and Scott are my brothers. Grandma is their mother.” He had a big grin on his face and then continued. “Bryce…” She cued him again. “Fordyce, Jeff Jones, and Coach Wilson.” He pointed at the man with a grin just like his. “That’s daddy.”
“Your right! That’s daddy.” She looked longingly at the picture and turned to her children with hands extended.
“Okay kiddos, time to go home.”
Next week I will publish Chapter 1 of "Triumph & Tragedy."
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