Page 2 of Leo

“My mom? She was here, but she had to go back to work. She had a shift at the hospital.”

“I know, son. The officer,” his coach stammered, swallowing back the emotions bubbling to the surface. “The officer said there was someone that came into the emergency room, a gang member.”

“Is she hurt?” he asked anxiously.

“Leo, she was shot. The gang member got nervous, took another nurse as a hostage, and your mom was trying to talk to him. Another officer tried to come at him from the side, and he fired. It hit your mom.”

By now, the entire team was listening at the windows of the bus. They all frowned, staring at Leo.

“But-but she’s okay, right? I mean, Mom is really healthy. She’s fine, right?”

“Leo,” started his coach. “She’s alive but not doing well. Your dad is on his way. We’ll take you to meet him.”

“No,” he said, shaking his head. “No! You’re lying! You’ve got the wrong person, the wrong mom. It was someone else’s mom. Not mine!”

“Leo,” said the officer, “son, I need you to come with me to the hospital. It’s my understanding that it’s just you and your dad.”

Leo was so stunned he just nodded.

“My-my grandparents live in Illinois, but they’re really old. They can’t travel right now. Dad tries. He’s not, he’s not normal. He might not know what to do. I bet he’s really scared.”

“Okay. We’ll find a way to contact your grandparents.” The officer gently touched his arm, guiding him toward the patrol car. His coach stepped in line with him as the officer looked back.

“I’m going with him. I’m his family today.”

The officer nodded as the coach turned to the other staff and explained what was happening. They couldn’t believe it. Mrs. Tilbury was the nicest, sweetest team mom ever. She baked for the team, in spite of her insane schedule, always found a way to show up for Leo’s meets, even for only one race.

The next few days were blinding confusion and chaos for Leo. He spoke to his grandparents several times, but they just weren’t able to travel due to their own health issues. His father could barely control his emotions. But Leo understood. His dad had his own health issues, mostly mental health, but still. Between him and his grandparents, they were frail people, his grandparents in their eighties.

His coach and several of his mother’s coworkers helped to plan meals and home visits, hoping to help the family. Hedidn’t know it at the time, but it would be years of her fighting ongoing issues with the damage the bullet had done, his father’s declining health, and being deployed.

As Leo was contemplating his next move, or if there even was a move for him, he reviewed the dozens of college offers but never expected the visit from the Naval Academy recruiters or the opportunity to swim for the Navy team. It was one of many surprises in Leo’s lifetime.

“I’m damn sorry about what happened with your mother,” said the man in uniform. “Leo, may we come in?”

“Why?”

“We’re with the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, and we’d like to offer you a spot for this upcoming year at the academy and to swim on our team.”

“Seriously?” he asked.

“Seriously, son.”

“So, he would attend the academy, get his four-year degree, swim for the Navy team, and graduate as First Lieutenant, then serve four years. Is that right?” asked his coach.

“That’s about it,” they smiled.

“Leo, it’s an amazing thing they’re offering. Only about a hundred kids a year get accepted into Annapolis. But it would mean you’d have to serve your country as a sort of payment for the education and experience. Do you understand that?”

“Yes, sir. I understand,” said Leo.

“Well, then. I’d say it’s up to you. You’re a smart young man. Smart enough and old enough to make your own decisions. We will support you, and I’ll personally look out for your folks while you’re gone.”

Leo nodded, standing to walk around the small living room and think about his options. He stared at the college acceptance letters on the kitchen table, then at the face of his mother. She gave him a smile and nod, telling him that this was his choice. They would be just fine.

Turning to face the men seated in the living room, Leo stood a little straighter.

“I want to thank all of you, Coach Tom and Coach Andy, especially Dad and you, Mom. I don’t know what I would have done without you. I’m not sure a traditional college or university would offer me what I need. I accept your offer, sirs. I’d be honored to enter the Naval Academy.”

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