The Sportsman

The infections were falling. The deaths were coming down. Schools could reopen.
 James, like his peers, was thrilled to be back at school. He charged into the house, banging the front door and torpedoed into the kitchen. “Mum, we’ve got a special assembly on Friday.”
Mum smiled and said, “Oh, have you? Why, what’s so special?”
He looked about the room and headed to the fridge. Flinging the door open, he said, “What can I eat? I’m starving.”
“You could try your lunch. It’s waiting for you on the table.”
He spun about and, for the first time, noticed a plate with cutlery at his place. Sitting on the plate was a toasted cheese and tomato sandwich.
“Awesome, Mum, how did you know that’s just what I wanted?”
Again she smiled affectionately. “Because I’m your Mum and know you so well.”
In between mouthfuls, he said, “We’re having a visitor for assembly. You’ll never guess who it is.”
“Well, let me see since you’re so excited it’s bound to be a man. Not just any man but a sportsman. A gold medal Olympian at the very least.”
He sat tilting his head to the side with his eyes narrowed and eyebrows squished together. “Mum, you’re almost right he is a para Olympic triathlon gold medallist.” He smirked, then his shoulders sagged as he said, “You’re telling me you knew all along?”
She smiled and nodded her head. “Yes, dear, of course, I knew. You forget I’m a school governor. I contacted his office and organised for him to come and inspire all of you. I thought you might need to realise staying home is not the end of the world. Now you are all back what better than a bit of inspiration?”
 

(c) Felicity Edwards