Another Boundary - a short story part 2

ANOTHER BOUNDARY Part 2

Richard and Tom, war-time comrades whose experiences then led, as so often happened, to a life-long friendship, now in retirement, indulged in their love of cricket by watching together club and county cricket whenever they could.  They especially enjoyed the annual village Festival match against their old rivals, the club from Yarminster - a village a few miles away.  Sheila, Richard's wife made, as she always did, a packed lunch for the two of them, and Richard hurries to the ground to secure their favourite chairs on the offside boundary (from the pavilion end).  Richard worries for a while because of Tom's unusual late arrival, but he gets there in time and they both settle down just before the opening pair, from the home club who are batting first, come out of the pavilion and make their way to their creases.

The morning starts well for the home club with the cautious Evans and younger adventurous Holmes scoring well, and Richard and Tom joining the general applause for some exceptionally fine stroke play.  Then Evans edges a catch to slip after making a steady 35.  Another young player, Thomson joins Holmes and together they carry the score along until with just a couple of overs to go before lunch, a grand straight drive past the bowler by Holmes brings up the 100.

Richard applauds the shot enthusiastically and commenting as he did so, "what a fine festival morning for our side Tom".  But Tom doe not answer, and Richard sees that Tom is staring across to the far boundary.

"You alright Tom?" he asks.

"Er-yes-I think so.  I-er-just thought.  But no....."

"Anything the matter?"

"Not really.  I noticed that chap under that tree yonder.  Not dressed for a cricket festival, but for some reason I felt I might know him..."

Richard shaded his eyes.  "I can't see anyone Tom.  Must be a shadow.  You OK?"

Tom turned to Richard, smiling.  "Oh yes, I'm feeling better than ever.  I'm so glad that we came again today.  We've had such fun together over the years.  It's something to remember always."

They settled down to watch the remaining overs before lunch and were soon absorbed by a flourish of stroke play to add another 14 to go into lunch at very respectable 114 for 1.

"Well, that is a very satisfactory start" said Richard as they applauded the batsman into the pavilion.  "Now, I've got the packed lunches here in the bag with picnic plates - thoughtful Sheila.  You start serving it out while I go over to the refreshment tent to get our drinks.  But before I do, I apologise Tom, but I didn't ask how Daphne is?"

"Truth to tell, Richard I'm a bit worried about her."