THE BLUE ARMBAND
It was an old captain’s armband.
The cloth was nearly gray.
A faded club crest was sewn across it.
The boy held it carefully, as if it were something precious.
“It belonged to my grandfather,” he said.
His father immediately frowned.
“Brandon. Sit down.”
Brandon ignored him.
“He wore this to every match.”
Grandpa looked at the armband.
Then at Brandon.
“He must have loved the club.”
Brandon nodded.
“He did.”
His voice became quieter.
“He always told me that a captain gives up his place before taking someone else’s.”
The man’s face hardened.
“That’s enough.”
But Brandon continued.
He looked directly at his father.
“You said this gentleman wouldn’t remember today.”
Nobody spoke.
Brandon swallowed.
“I think Grandpa would be ashamed of us.”
The entire section seemed to go silent.
The man opened his mouth.
But no words came out.
Brandon turned back toward Jeremy.
Then he held out the armband.
“My dad doesn’t deserve this anymore.”
He looked at Grandpa.
“I think you do.”
