Tim stared into Buster’s eyes, concentrating on the blue irises that reminded him of the waters back home. He begins his delivery, turning his body away from him but keeping his eyes on Buster the whole way. The ball pounds Buster’s mitt and he gets out of the squat, striding over to Tim on the mound. 

Four ball walk.

“You’re doing fine. You’re gonna get the next guy out, and the next, and the next. You gonna do fine.” he taps Tim on the shoulder and walks back, Tim’s eyes on his back. 

Tim takes a deep breath, closes his eyes. Set, woosh.

He strikes out the next 7 batters.