Night Cap

Night was settling in, and my eyes caught a small blue marker cap lying sideways beside an open notebook on the media console. I jogged across the smooth dark wood on my round base, lined up my stance, and wrapped both hands around the tapered plastic cylinder. Planting my heels, I gave a steady upward heave until it popped upright onto its flat rim with a sharp tap. Balanced like that, it looked just like a mini team batting helmet waiting in the dugout rack. Training is wrapped, gear is stowed, and tomorrow's roster is ready.