The foul ball

The relentless rain outside created a rhythmic pattern of droplets trickling down the glass, enveloping the car in a cocoon of silence. As Ronin gazed out of the old, weathered window, he tapped his foot on the floor, feeling the weight of his father's disappointment lingering in the air.

Caught in his father's stern gaze through the mirror, Ronin's eyes drifted down to his worn jeans, their steady movement reflecting his inner turmoil shaped by their recent argument.

The suffocating atmosphere in the car spurred conflicting emotions within Ronin as he longed to escape the oppressive tension and the burden of expectations that hung heavily in the air. His gaze wandered out the window to the endless expanse of yellow fields, only to be abruptly jolted from his thoughts as the car navigated a sharp turn, nearly bouncing off the rough road.

Unfazed by his father's spirited driving, Ronin zipped up his jacket as they arrived at a long, winding driveway. His father silently exited the car, leaving Ronin to hesitantly follow. His father opened the trunk as he rushed toward the old, worn house, he grabbed the rusty doorknob, unsurprised by the broken lock. Stepping inside, he was greeted by a dim, dusty interior, and the musty odor wrinkled his nose.

His father startled him by forcefully kicking the door open and dropping boxes on the ground before grabbing Ronin's hood and dragging him outside to assist. "Hey?!" Ronin exclaimed as he pulled away from his dad and reluctantly followed behind at a safe distance. Led to a small couch, his father instructed him to help, promoting Ronin to the trunk, where he proc grabbed as many bags as he could carry.

As he turned around, an unfamiliar voice greeted him—a tall boy with thick curly hair, big glasses, and a bright yellow rain jacket. Suppressing a laugh at the sight of the boy, Ronin exchanged introductions with Percy, who offered to help. Attempting to brush him off, Ronin's recent argument with his father flashed through his mind, and he reluctantly accepted Percy's assistance.

Bringing the bags in, Ronin kicked the door open and let it close behind him, waiting for Percy to be hulted by it. Percy made his way slowly to the door where he successfully fulfilled Ronins underlying gesture. Ronin opened the door for the helpless Percy, setting down the bags Percy looks around "Nice place you've got here, Percy says," to which Ronin retorted, "You're joking, right? This place is a fucking dump."

Percy's eyes widened at his crass language to which he then attempted to diffuse the tension as he tried to reassure Ronin of the homes quality, Ronin's frustrations boiled over, declaring, "I don't need your pity." Percy watched as Ronin's fists clenched, aware of the mounting tension.

Suddenly, Ronin's father intervened, rushing to the door upon hearing his son's raised voice. Overhearing the exchange, he turned to thank Percy for his help before ushering him out. As the door shut behind Percy, Ronin's father reprimanded him, his disappointment palpable.

Amid the exchange, Ronin's defiant reaction led to further tension. His father, laden with bags, urged him to head up to his room and unpack. Reluctantly, Ronin stormed up the stairs with his luggage, leaving his father sighing and wiping his furrowed brow.