by Wayne23 » Mon May 16, 2022 11:43 pm
3/11: We are 26-4, 15-1, #10, NET #7. We are hoping for a #2 seed.
3/12: #3 South. We are disappointed, feeling that we earned a #2 seed. We play #14, SE Louisiana, 20-10. They have played no ranked teams.
3/13: I decide to visit the Smithfields before leaving for Atlanta.
“Hello Emma.”
“... Hello.”
“Are you fully recovered?”
“... Yes.”
“Good. I have missed you.”
Emma excused us and took me into the kitchen.
“I cannot be a wife to you, Jacob.”
“You cannot or you will not?”
“I cannot. I cannot face the possibility of becoming with child again. I cannot and I will not do it.”
”So our marriage is over.”
“I'm sorry. If you choose to seek a divorce I will not stand in your way.”
“Suppose we just take our time with all of this. I will wait to see if you might change your mind.”
“I will never change my mind, Jacob, never.”
“I will not trouble you again, Emma. If you ever wish to speak with me, you know how to find me.”
With that I left. I went downtown and had a beer, and then a second one. All that did was make me feel bloated so I walked back home. Mrs. Smithfield sends Meg over with my dinner every night that I am at home. The plate was on the table. I ate, then went to bed early.
We caught the train at 6:45 the next morning.
3/17: We take the lead right away. 51-26 at the half. This game is hardly a contest. Robi leads us with 10. 9 players have scored. Only 3 turnovers. The subs are getting lots of minutes in the second half.
89-62. A very easy first game. 14, 6 for Lang Robi, 14, 4, 4 for Carl Dori, 13 for sub Colt Reed, 12, 9 for Grun, 12, 2, 4 for Ike Wall. Ric Arch's shooting woes return, 8 points on 2-10 shooting. +24 in the paint.
I speak with Arch after the game:
“Richard, just let your body take over. I believe your mind is getting in your way. You are a natural shooter. Turn off your brain and just do what you've always done.”
“Thanks Coach. I will try that.”
I believe I will stay here at Bryant and see how they will fare in Conference C. I've given that a great deal of thought. That would also give Emma another year to think things over. This is not final, of course.