As Jay Walker’s beloved team got its butt kicked, he lost his mind. A squad of fluorescent yellow-clad security guards – a swarm of human bumble bees – swiftly escorted Jay out of the coliseum. Disgraceful. Life ruined?
How could such an upstanding member of society act so belligerently? Jay had worked at the same job for longer than he could remember, never an off day, even after The Accident. He prayed at three different houses to cover his bases, gave to charity, and didn’t boast about it.
Jay Walker didn’t jaywalk.
He’d never been in trouble before, and he was scared. What was his next play? Probation?… Prison?
Photo courtesy Los Angeles Times
Jay’s fears were unwarranted. In the stadium’s bowels, a security supervisor informed Jay that he’d become “a probationary fan,” which isn’t nearly as bad as it sounds. As long as there were no more outbursts – and Jay had already sworn to himself a thousand times over that there wouldn’t be – he’d be welcome back at the stadium next season.
Monday was a new beginning at Jay’s same tedious but reliable job. Every day was essentially the same, but this day was different. It was the day after a season-ending loss. Everyone consoled Jay about the upset, asked him what he was going to do in “the offseason.”
Jay was already preparing. There was scouting and then the actual draft. He’d spend endless hours on message boards. All his “work friends” seemed to be interested in Jay’s devotion, or maybe they just needed a distraction. Thankfully, no one knew about The Outburst, which Jay had already forgotten, well, almost.
Forgetting wasn’t easy for Jay. He’d never forget The Accident. Impossible. “Why do good things happen to good people?” Jay and The Ex kept asking themselves. Gradually, their grief morphed to tense, often loud arguments, which were about everything but The Accident. Eventually, they threw a Hail Mary to forget: they split.
The Ex gave up her season ticket.
And Life goes on. What a depressing phrase…but indeed it did, and Jay had only one play: He immersed himself completely into his team. In addition to attending every home game, he often traveled to away ones if it didn’t involve flying. Since The Accident, Jay liked to stay grounded.
It was late, more than 24 hours after Jay was removed from the stands, and he was deep in scouting mode. There was a potential unicorn: a tight end hidden at the NAIA level. He was an elite athlete, and he even kicked field goals, including a 45-yarder. Jay was giddy – happy, well, almost.
Jay checked his email for holiday specials, not that he was going to buy anything. After The Accident, there were no holidays. There were a lot of specials, and this was from his company’s HR Department. “Because of your conduct at the stadium, you’re suspended immediately with full pay while we investigate. Please do not communicate with anyone at the company.”
Courtesy Boston Magazine
Suddenly, the most boring job was the greatest job. What had happened? Jay googled himself. The Outburst was everywhere.
Jay slept until he couldn’t. Finally, after who knows how many days, he returned to his bestie: his computer. Jay Walker was still everywhere.
Why hadn’t his job called? Weren’t they investigating? If he just got a chance, he’d explain. Yes, he’d lost his cool, but he’d been provoked. What did they say? What did Jay say?
It was all blurry. Jay had blacked it out. Now, Jay just wanted a chance. He’d apologize to the family – it was a daughter and her parents – if he could locate them and was allowed to. As part of his probation, he was forbidden from contacting them. Jay knew better: It’s always the retaliator that gets flagged.
A few days later, a woman from Jay’s town chamber of commerce showed up unannounced at the door. He couldn’t remember her name. Was it Matilda? Since The Accident, besides games, Jay hadn’t been out much. Jay’s town had been supportive after The Accident, well, at first. But after two weeks or so, well, life goes on. Perhaps, maybe Matilda was returning with a holiday pie.
No, her hands were empty.
Jay enthusiastically opened the door, more than ready to receive some good wishes.
Photo courtesy Daily Record
“We can help you find a realtor, if you want,” Maybe Matilda offered before Jay could get a word out.
“Why would I want a realtor?”
“After what happened, the town’s property values are down. Everyone could use a fresh start, best for all.”
Unfortunately, The Incident wasn’t disappearing. The parents had become influencers and were everywhere. Jay wanted and needed to tell his side. What was his side? He couldn’t remember.
Finally, Jay took matters into his own hands – and showed up at his company holiday party. As soon as he entered the ballroom, it went silent. As he stood in front, all eyes were on him.
Happy Holidays!” Jay said awkwardly before pausing. “I apologize for everything. I don’t know what happened, but I’m so sorry. Things haven’t been right since ….“ Before Jay could say more, Security whisked him out.
The next morning, Jay got an email from his company. He was being fired for breaking his probation. Maybe Matilda was right: He needed a fresh start. Right then and there, Jay decided to move. But Christmas was just days away, so things were slow. However, he’d get a head start and start getting rid of stuff. What was he doing with all this team stuff anyway? How many helmets did he need? Did he need even one?
Business at the garage sale was brisk. It felt good, even though he was selling things for less than their value. It was a cleansing.
“Why’d you do it?” a young girl with her mother asked. Usually, when Jay was posed this question, he just shook his head and mumbled something. But there was something sweet about this young girl. She cared. The pain blindsided me,” Jay explained, his eyes started to tear up. “It was unbearable…. I’ve been thinking… the daughter reminded me of my son and…. I apologize a thousand times over.”
Someone was holding up their phone to film the encounter. What’s new?
By Christmas Eve, the house was practically empty. What Jay didn’t sell, he tossed. The realtor on YouTube said it would be easier to sell an empty house. He checked in with his friend: Jay Walker was everywhere again. But this time, he was talking to the young girl at his garage sale, teary-eyed. Jay didn’t want to be everywhere anymore. He just wanted it all to stop.
The townspeople – Jay had forgotten most of their names by now – showed up early Christmas morning, bearing holiday treats. They embraced Jay as if he were an old friend. Jay was confused. What had happened?
When the people stopped showing up, Jay checked his phone.
The influencer’s daughter had a YouTube clip up: We were wrong to antagonize the man in the stands. We’re sorry. He seems like a decent man. Please forgive us and forgive him. He didn’t deserve any of this.
As Jay stood in his empty house, which was now full of smiling people, his heart felt joy.
Jon Hart is the author of Unfortunately, I was available illustrated by Coverkitchen
