Then You Understand

Panel 1. Seven days later at night, the ballpark is empty. Pale, dirty and shaky after the box, Lucas Knox sits beside Sam near the dugout; Sam’s gear bag rests nearby. Knox: “Seven days in a box. For you.”

Panel 2. Knox steps closer to Sam. Knox: “So tell me. How do you do it?”

Panel 3. Sam picks up his umpire gear bag. Sam: “Do you ever tell people how you do yours?” Knox: “Never.”

Panel 4. Sam carries his gear bag away into the dark while Knox stays behind under the ballpark lights, slowly smiling. Sam: “Then you understand.” Knox: “Best trick I’ve ever seen.”