Down and Out

The batter tensed; ready to swing with his heart resting precariously on the end of his bat. This was it, the last out of the last inning of the last game. He could feel the weight of the team's hopes and dreams pressing against his shoulder, threatening to push him to the ground. He took a deep breath; they said it made you calmer, they were wrong. The pitcher took the mound, brought his arm back and released. The batter clamped his eyes shut and swung with all of his might?
Batter out! Cried the umpire. The boy hung his head and sat on the bench, alone. He had come, and he had lost it all. Just when it seemed he would break down, sad and alone, a figure took the bench with him. Casting a warm glow on his face like the setting sun.
I am proud of you my son, always, always proud of you, remember that and have heart. So the boy sat and they watched the sun set, together.

I think the sepia is too strong but I didn't like it in black and white so this is what you get :)