Concealed

In that moment I Knew that this was no longer just a case, nor just a story. I had done something special, now Wallis and the umpire and maybe even the rest of the team, could finally get back together and Wallis didn’t need to hide anymore. Chapter 10 As I sit down in my creaky editor chair, I stare solemnly at my lagging commodore 64 keyboard computer. I begin typing. I start capturing all the misleading adventures, all my discoveries, and all the answers to the closed mystery that was forgotten so many years ago. Suddenly, I remember what the Umpire said, “I don’t want to replay that day”. Thoughts of the chilling day rush into my head and his words spark something in me. Umpire specifically told me to not tell anyone, he didn’t feel comfortable exposing something so heartbreaking and traumatising all over the media. Should I do the right thing and maybe even lose my place as an editor? Or should I treasure my friendship with the Umpire? However, the realisation quickly hits me that some secrets are better kept concealed, as I press the delete button to my report and start afresh document titled, ‘Unrecognised team that doesn’t get enough credit.” I smile to myself and start writing about how we need to pay some tribute to a past team and to keep the mystery about the missing star player to me and the Umpire. As I finish the report, I take one last look as I click the send button. No scandal, no story, and no money are worth more than a close friendship that will last a lifetime. Arriving at a job promotion party I couldn’t hold my excitement. I still remember the scene clearly in my head. After my report got published, it took the world by storm. Everyone loved the story and most importantly the Umpire’s secret was safe with me. As I start daydreaming to myself, I hear someone calling my name, I turn around to see the Umpire standing there with his usual black-white top and black trousers. ‘Congratulations on the promotion!’ he said. As I thank him, I looked at my head journalist badge safety pinned to my sweater, I smiled to myself, remember to stay strong and there is always light at the end of the tunnel.