Kessé's Story

8/3/2019 Kess's Story

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Kess(Kessay)

Hope Has Already Happened

Kess 1986

Written by

Geoffrey C. IafeliceBrevity Publications

Edited byJenna Pietrantonio

The authors 15 year old niece


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Each of the characters in the story is named after a real-life individual. Each of these real-lifeindividuals exemplify the nature of the story, as all of them have given their time and/or money to thecause of eradicating famine, disease or injustices around the world. The honored individuals are asfollows: Kess Traore, Dian Fossey, Nelson Mandela, Jane Goodall, Bill and Melinda Gates, Sir PeterUstinov, the Salwen family: Hannah, Joseph, Joan and Kevin, Desmond Tutu, Gayle Williams, LottaHitschmanova, Warren Buffet, Elaine Keillor, Tom Affleck and the remainder are CNN Heroes: RoseMapendo, Emmanuel Ruzindana, Viola Vaughn, Jock Brandis, Yohannes Gebregeorgis.

CHAPTER ONE: KESS AT THE ORPHANAGE

Kess is the real life foster child of the writer of this story. At the time, in 1986 he was 8 years old andfrom the country of Mali. The author committed to this childs sponsorship after learning about the

circumstances of drought and famine plaguing much of Africa. As much as the main character in thisstory is named after a real person, the story chronicles a hypothetical albeit realistic scenario.

Director Dian is named after Dian Fossey who was murdered in 1985 at her gorilla research stationon the border of Rwanda and the Congo. Her work not only brought attention to the plight of wildanimals, specifically the mountain gorilla, but also the social and economic conditions in Africa. Herwork, covered extensively by the National Geographic Society, dissected the continuous human strifethrough civil war in the many African regions. These conflicts and displacements are directlyresponsible for the death and disease that are happening now in Africa.

Kess (pronounced Kessay) is in his pick-up truck driving through the dry country-sideof his native African country, Mali. The dry, sun-beaten earth he is driving on is spittingup a large dust trail behind the truck. After a while, Kess turns the truck into a gatedcompound that has a sign indicating a childrens orphanage.

The truck makes its way up the winding dirt road and passes a grassless soccer field withmake-shift goal-posts that are made of tree branches stuck into the crusty ground. Kessglances at the goal-posts and a smile appears on his face, as though reminded of the funhe had on that field as a child.

The truck now slows down as it approaches the school house. A few of the black Africanchildren hearing the oncoming truck peer through the window of the schoolhouse and alook of excitement appears on their faces.One of the children has a big smile on his face and shouts out, Kess!

As the truck pulls up into the school compound it slows to a crawl. A flood of childrencome streaming out of the schoolhouse to greet Kess. A few of the staff and the Directoralso come walking out with smiles on their faces.

Director Dian greets him as he is exiting the truck.We are so glad you could make it, Kess. Look how happy youve made the children,she says as she gestures to all the smiling children.


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Oh how you all make me so very happy, Kess says acknowledging the Director whilethe children are laughing and grasping for Kesss hands.

Kess is now surrounded by the group of children all clamouring for his attention.

Through the maze of happiness, Kess extends his hand to the director and greets herwith a warm smile.So nice to see you Madame Director, Kess says.

The director replies with a friendly warning, Oh Kess, Ive told you many times. Youcan call me Dian.

Well Dian, Kess says sounding a little bashful. I have a few gifts for you and thechildren.The childrens laughter heightens and becomes a cheer as they hear Kesssannouncement. He guides the Director with his hand on her shoulder to the back of the

truck and the children follow close behind.Some of the children are already on each others shoulders trying to peakinto thewindows in the back of the truck. Kess smiles as he sees their anxiousness and walksaround to lower the back gate. As the gate opens, a few loose soccer balls roll out causinga loud cheer to come from the children -others are scrambling for the few balls that rollaround on the ground.

Oh Kess! The Directorsays with her arms open, gesturing to the new soccer balls.Look at all theseHow wonderful!

The other ones, I noticed were getting very old, Kess states.

Oh Kess, were all getting a little old, Miss Dian says smiling at him.

Yes Dian, but you cannot be replaced, Kess replies, as the Director looks back at himwith an appreciative smile.

The children are growing too, Kess states very factually, as he kicks a few soccer ballsout to the kids. .and they need to exercise and learn the benefits of teamwork.

Yes, that they do, replies Dian.

He looks appreciatively at her.They are looking healthyand happy, which is good, Kess says with a smile.

Yesyes they are Kess, she says as she looks at the kids playing on the field. Someof the new medicines are really helping out. The young especially that are so vulnerablehave new medicines that protect them from some of the digestive problems. Some of thesame problems you had too! she states firmly.


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Things are getting better, Kess acknowledges. That isgood.

Dian then enquires, And your team. Are they doing well?

Oh yes, of course, Kess replies. This year weve done very well.

Well the last time you told me your soccer team did well, you ended up giving us amuch bigger gift than these soccer balls, Dian says, as she grabs Kesss arm inappreciation and adds, My, what a gift that was.

With great big smiles on their faces, they both turn to look at the new school-house.Kess has over the years given back to the orphanage he lived in as a child by donatingmoney, time and building materials. Last year, it was enough to build the school-housewhich he and Dian now stare at.Kess never forgot his poor childhood and the place that helped him develop into a

healthy and productive person.This year we will build another part to the school, Kess says, then adds subtly, Itneeds a library.

Oh my! Kess, you are so generous, Dian says looking up at Kess fondly. I still cantbelieve we have this new schoolhouse because of you.

You were so kind when I needed you most, Kess replies. It is the least I can do foryou and for everyone else here.

The director now looks straight at Kess and says, So now I think we should name theschool and your name would look perfect on it.

Kess exclaims modestly, Oh, no, no! I owe you more than I will ever be able to repay.

Well Kess, you were one of my many children, she says, but you were special.

Well thank you maam. Kess looks away bashfully and continues, But we should allhelp each other... and the money the team pays me keeps coming because we do goodthings with it.

You are doing great things Kess, the director replies. And it was a lot tougher backwhen you were here and it really wasnt all that long ago.

Well almost a lifetime ago for me, Kess states.

Yes. Yes it almost was, Dian replies. We did have some outside help back then. It wasmore of a refugee camp than an orphanage. But look now. she says as she smiles atKess and adds, We are able to help ourselves.


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All the kids are now playing with the soccer balls out on the field, as both Kess and thedirector begin a slow walk through the orphanage grounds.Hows your Mama Rose doing? Director Dian asks.

She is doing very well, Kess replies.I havent seen her since last year when the school was openedShe was so proud ofyou that day, Dian says boastfully.

Well she is comfortable in her new placebut restless. She has too much energy to beleft alone, Kess says with a little concern.

She kept everyones spirit up when she was here with you, Dian says. It was verydifficult on both of you when you first arrived here. You had both gone through so muchin those days.

She looks at Kess a little tentatively, as Kess continues to listen silently to her. Thosewere very hard times, but your mamas spirit was unbreakable.and she was the first toget you up and out playing whenever your schoolwork and chores were done.

Kess interrupts and says with a chuckle, Then, she would scold me for wearing throughmy shoes.

Well the hours you all spent playing with that soccer ball, Dian says gleefully. Oh my,the smiles on the faces of all you kids. You would be out on that field playing for hours .

Well would you believe I still have that ball? Kess informs Miss Dian. But its justold and worn now.

Well for the number of hours you would be out playing with it, Im surprised its stillaround, Dian recalls and adds, I thought your mother would surely have thrown it out.

Dian then mocks the way Kesss mother speaks, adding a little quivering in the voice tosound like an older lady.Oh that old ball would surely be full of germsBest throw it away, she mocks.

Both of them laugh at the accuracy of the directors mockingof Kesss mom.

I will be going to see Mama Rose tomorrow, Kesssays through the laugh. I dontlike leaving her too long.

Oh shes a strong woman, your mother, Miss Dian adds.

Kess chuckles again and says, Wellits not for her sake, but for the staff at the home.Shes probably driving them crazy.


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Oh, youre being too tough on her now, Dian replies facetiously, as though knowingKesss Mama Rose could be a difficult person. You be sure to tell her I said hello.

Kess smiles warmly at the director and replies, Yes, I will. That will surely put a smile

on her face.Now Kess and Dian start a slow walk towards the truck. They both observe the childrenplaying happily on the field and wave to the odd child who looks over to them. Preparingfor Kesss imminent departure, the kids begin to call out to each other and pick up thesoccer balls. They all run over to the truck to see off Kess.

Both Kess and the Director are now at the side of the truck. The kids are slowlygathering around them with smiles on their faces. With everyone standing close by,Kess looks back at the empty lot next to the school and points to it.Miss Dian! he announces, right there is where we will build the new library.

Oh Kess! The Director exclaims. That would be so wonderful.

Dian looks at Kess once again knowing he is preparing to leave and says, Be carefulon the roads and come back soon.

The kids swarm around the truck with some holding the new soccer balls in hand. Theystart to chant, Kess! - Kess! - Kess!

Dian looks at Kess admiringly and says with a smile, See how they love you.

I am happy to help. But I must be going, Kess says as he leans forward and gives theDirector a hug.

He turns to the kids and with a firm voice, Kess yells out, I will be back soon, soeverybody be good and do your chores and do well in school. I will be back to see howthings are going.

He then looks down at one small child holding on to a soccer ball. Kess, with a grin onhis face pats him on the head and says, And try not to wear out these soccer balls toofast.

Kess jumps into the truck and starts it up. He sticks his head out of the window andwaves to them all, Bye, bye everyone!

Kess honks his horn and the children part to let him through. The truck slowly makes itsway to the gate and Kess glances back to see the kids are already off and running afterthe soccer balls. He looks forward with a large satisfied grin on his face.


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CHAPTER TWO: THE GIRLS TEAM AND COACH

Marie, a young teen is named after Marie DaSilva who lost 14 family members to AIDS. The Los

Angeles nanny funds a school in her native Malawi, where half a million children have beenorphaned by the disease.

Jane, a young teen is named after Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist who continues toempower people to make a difference for all living things through the global nonprofit Jane GoodallInstitute. She is another strong influence on the author of this story, as she drew attention to Africa inthe late 70s.

Coach Nelson, a man in his mid 60s is named after Nelson Mandela, the former President of South

Africa and first to be elected in fully representative democratic elections. He spent 27 years in jail forhis efforts in opposing Apartheid. In 1993, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for leading thetransition to a multi-racial democracy in South Africa.

Bill and Melinda, 2 of the parents in the scene are named after Bill and Melinda Gates who havepledged their personal billions of dollars to help eliminate international famine, disease and toeducate the helpless and needy.

Elaine is named for Elaine Keillor who sponsors 6 foster children in the authors hometown.

A girls team is assembling forpractice at a well manicured, suburban park soccer fieldjust on the outskirts of Boston. Some of the girls are already playing around on thesoccer field, while others are on the sideline talking to each other.

A number of parents that showed up earlier are sitting by the team bench and watching

with amusement some of the girls that are showing off their soccer talents. A few of thegirls see the appreciative parents and start showing off with some fast footwork, flipkicks and bouncing the soccer ball off their heads. The display puts big smiles on theparents faces.

Other girls are just arriving and are being dropped off by their parents. Theyre runningout of their cars and mini-vans to join their team mates on the field. Most of themgreeting Coach as they run by him.

Coach is an older retired gentleman in his late 60s and as usual is pumping up a few ofthe soccer balls at the bench- getting them ready for use during practice.

Two girls go whizzing by Coach.Hey Coach! Marie shouts out.Shes then immediately followed by Jane saying, Heya Coach!

Coach looks up from what he was doing to greet the girls.Hello JaneMarie, he says to them as theyve already run well past him.


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Then he quickly shouts out a warning, Hey! Dont get too messy out thereweretaking the team photos today.Ok Coach, Jane yells back to him.

Elaines mom Melinda comes over to Coach and says, I cant believe its a new season

already.Hello Melinda. Yup! he says with a very positive tone in his voice. Every new seasonis better than the last one. If I had to wait any longer, my creaky bones wouldnt have letme out here this year.

My goodness! Melinda exclaims. There are times when just watching these girls tiresme out. How many years have you been doing this now Coach?

Well,he says this with a bashful smile. Im not supposed to ask a lady her age, but myguess is longer than youve been alive.

Melinda smiles at him, as Coach adds, This is my 39th season!39 yearsoh my goodness! Melinda says loudly and with astonishment.

Ha! Bill comes over to Melinda and ribs her about what he thought was her age, You39? Bill chuckles and winks at Coach, Not in your wildest dreams, he adds with asmirk.

Well now, Melinda bites back and tries to explain to Bill, Not me silly- Coach here.

Bill still doesnt get what she meant, as he says in a confused state, Coachwhat 39?

Melinda then clarifies with some frustration by saying, No, this is Coachs 39th year ofcoaching.

Wow! Bill says jokingly as he finally gets the situation, I hope youre not looking toretire on us.

Im not going anywhere, Coach saysjust as a soccer ball gets kicked in between himand the two parents.

Hey now! Melinda says, as she kicks the ball very clumsily back out to the girls, Whodid that?

Bill and Coach smirk at each other as Bill comments on Melindas poorly delivered kick,Looks like her daughtergot all the talent in the family.

The ball rolls to Elaine whos a few yards in front of Coach and the parents. She flips therolling ball up to her thigh and starts to show off a bit. She bounces it on her thigh, then


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from her foot on up to her head. From there she bounces it a few times before dropping itto the ground and gives it a firm kick out to the other girls in the field.

Elaine then turns to Coach and with a smile says, Did ya like that one Coach?

Coach smiles back and replies with a friendly warning, Dont be getting too fancy on menow. Theres a lot of hard work weve got to get to. His voice gets louder as shebounces off. And dont get too dirty out there. Were taking the team pictures soon.

Elaine spins away from Coach and kicks a ball out to Marie. Marie kicks it back andElaine flips it up to her thigh where she starts bouncing the ball from thigh to thigh. Agrin appears on her face as she notices the parents watching her. The rest of the team seesher and gets jealous at the attention, so they join in and go on a bit of a trick shot derbythemselves.

A few of the girls are bouncing soccer balls on their thighs; others are foot bouncing the

ball.while others are performing step-overs and flip kicks. Finally, Jane tries a bicyclekick over her head and misses. She falls flat on her back-side and rolls over on her front,dirtying her jersey.

Coach sees her miss the kick and gets upset at her dirtying her shirt.Jane! he yells out. You see what I mean. Coach states firmly as he throws his handsup in the air in frustration.

Jane just looks down at her dirty jersey and smiles innocently at Coach.

Melindas laughing with the other parents at the coachs reaction and yells to him,Youre right Coach. Youre nowhere close to retiring. You still gotta teach Jane toperfect that bicycle kick!

Coach picks up the equipment bag and goes rifling through it, looking for a clean spareteam jersey. He calls Jane over.

Sorry Coach, Jane says with a wily smile. I just came up a little short.

Hot shot! Coach replies quickly to Jane, as she smiles back at him.

Here, Coach says handing her a clean jersey. Put this on over your dirty one for thepictures.

But this one doesnt have my number on it, Coach! Jane says as she grabs the area onher shoulder that is missing the number.

Well hotshot, you should have thought of that earlier, he replies to Jane, then barks outto the rest of the girls in the field, Now the rest of you girls, bring it on in.


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The girls are now lined up in two rows - preparing for the team photos and lookimpressive with their clean jerseys. Theyre pushing a little and giving friendly elbows toeach other to get the prime positions for the team photo.Coach knows the girls are just having a little fun, but gives the girls a half-hearted andfrustrated warning to behave.

Cmon girls, settle down! he shouts out.After a few seconds they settle in and Coach takes the picture.

There! Coach states, Perfect!

He then puts the timer on the camera and runs to position himself to where the girls are sohe could be in the team picture as well.

Dont anyone move, Coach says as he runs to the end of the first row and positionshimself in the picture. My turn to get in the shot.

The camera clicks and Coach jogs back to the camera to check it.Ok, he yells out to the girls,Dont anyone move until I check to see if everythingturned out good!

As Coach says that, the team doesnt appear to listen and quickly scatters for free soccerballs lying around.

Coach looks at the camera display and smiles to see that the shot came out fine. He turnsto the team to tell them that they can move.OKeverything looks.

He then realizes that they didnt listen to him the first time, as they are already out in thefield messing around with the soccer balls.Coach, in good humour smiles and finishes what he was saying, Yes, everything looksfine!

The girls are showboating again on the field when Coach blows his whistle.OK! Bring it in, he yells out.

Some of the girls head towards Coach. Others keep goofing around, as he yells louder atthe ones still out in the field, Hello! Superstars.

Vanessa, one of the girls that had already come in is standing next to Coach and says tohim, The stars are already here, Coach!

The girls around Coach get a good chuckle from her comment, as he looks down atVanessa with a smile and says, Oh, youre a funny girl.


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The other girls finally make it into the scrum. Still giggling at each other, Coach tells thelate-comers sarcastically, Nice of you to join us.

With the girls finally gathered around him, the practice now takes on an air of seriousnessas he addresses the group.

OkteamThis year were going to add a lot more short passing into our game. Coachsays now sounding a little more determined. So what were going to do is break intogroups of five. I want you to have one chaser in the middle. The other four in a ten yardcircle are going to pass it around, trying to keep it from the 5 th person.Coach then fires them up by shouting, OK, team?

The team yells in unison, OK, Coach!

Good. Now get goin! He yells back at the girls as they break into the groups.

And I want to hear you call each others names out when youre passing it! Coachadds.

The girls start passing the ball between themselves. Amongst the chatter of having fun,the girls yell out each others names, like they were instructed.

CHAPTER THREE: KESS AND HIS TEAM

Salwen is Kesss best friend in the story and is named after the Salwen family. The Salwens are

donating half the sale price of their house to a life-changing program run by The Hunger Project thatis helping hundreds of thousands of people in Africa move from poverty to self-reliance.

Desmond is named after Desmond Tutu, a South African cleric and activist who rose to worldwidefame during the 1980s as an opponent to Apartheid.

The girls voices from the previous episode mix and then evolve into mens voices, as wenow see a team of black African men playing soccer on their dusty home field.

Its Kesss team. They are warming up before practice, as the players pass the ballaround to each other. The patchy, uneven ground they are playing on is in stark contrast

with the manicured field the girls were playing on earlier.

One of the players passes the ball and it makes it over to Kess. He takes the ball off hischest and it drops to his left foot. From there he effortlessly rockets a shot to the corner ofthe goal and it pops the netting. His team-mates watch in astonishment at the speed andaccuracy of the shot.


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Kess, dont forget about us when you become a big superstar, Salwen shouts out toKess, referring to his goal scoring prowess.Oh, dont be a fool, Kess says in a very modest manner.

Desmond, another team-mate gets in on ribbing Kess.

Hey, mister superstar, pass me the ball, he yells out.Kess stops the ball that he was just about to pass to Desmond. He steps on it inannoyance over the razzing by his team-mate and warns him.Stop it,Desmond! he says with a tone frustration.

Just then, Kesss trainer shouts out to him, Kess! Gimme a minute over here willyou?

Kess looks to the trainer, then back to Desmond who last razzed him. Quickly and withvery little effort, Kess kicks the ball at Desmond. He kicks it so hard that it knocks

Desmond off balance. It brings a slight, but satisfying grin to Kesss face.Desmond re-gains his footing and still has a shocked look on his face. He shakes his headand looks at Salwen, still amazed at the strength and quickness of the pass and says, Mygoodnesswith a leg like that!

Meanwhile, Kess runs over to the trainer and asks, Yes, you need me for something?

Kessyou need to wear these shoes, the trainer says, as he points to the ground where5 pairs of cleats are laying.

Kesss eyes widen at the sight of the pile of beautiful new soccer cleats.Oh, Ive never seen so many beautiful shoes, he says as he bends over and carefullypicks one up.

Well, you wont be the owner of these ones, the trainer notifies him and quicklyextinguishes Kesss excitement. Kess looks sadly disappointed at the trainer.You will be taking these when you go to the tournament, the trainer further informsKess.

Kess seems a little confused and says, I dont think I would have needed so many.Then he asks in his bewildered state, Or are we playing on concrete?

A bit bewildered himself, the trainer replies, No Kess, I was told they have to sell theshoes. They call it the trainer has a little difficulty pronouncing the word,auctioning the shoes.

Oh auction! Kess states and pronounces the word better, seeming to have anunderstanding of the process. Really? For auction? He adds skeptically.


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Both Kess and the trainer then look at the beauty of the brand new shoes lined up on theground.

I was told it will raise money for charity, the trainer says.

Well that is good then, Kess says with a little reserved excitement.The trainer still has a look of vagueness of the process as he raises his eyebrows in doubtand says, Yes, I think that would be good.

Kess has an excited boyish look on his face. He squats down over the row of new shoesand says, It wasnt long ago that this would be like standing over gold and diamonds.Look at these beautiful colours!

Well you need to at least wear them for a few minutes and then you have to sign themwith this, the trainer says and shows Kess a marker that he has taken out of his pocket.

Kess bends over to pick up a shoe and his face lights up. He then says in disbelief, stillgazing at the shoes, Sign them? Like with my name?

Just as Kess is sitting on the ground and about to put on the first pair of cleats, a few ofhis team mates run over to see what he is doing.

Salwen begins where he left off ribbing Kess by taunting him.Oh look now. See who is the superstar! Salwen says in his colloquial dialect, playfullytaunting Kess.

Desmond begins to razz Kess as well.Mr. Beckham.can I please have your autograph? he mocks.

An annoyed Kess looks up at Desmond. The disgusted look on his face turns to amodest smile, as he realizes that this is something that all the players dream of doing oneday. Kess looks down and ignores the ribbing as he finishes tying the laces and gets up.

Oh, dont strain yourself getting up just for us, sir, Desmond says as he keeps ribbing.

Desmond draws a sharp stare from Kess as even Salwen gets in on the ribbing.Do you believe thislook at our little Kess, he says.

Feeling a little embarrassed by the circumstances, Kess deflects the attention away fromhimself and insists that hes just following the trainers orders.The trainer said this is what I must do, he fires back at both of his team-mates.

Desmond picks up a pair of the shoes and mimics signing autographs for invisible fans.He says mocking Kess, Ohand can I sign this pair for you little boy?


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Salwen gets in on the fun and plays along with Desmond in the fantasy charade. Salwentrumpets out loud, Yes! The world must know who Dezzie is.

Desmond then reaches to the sky with each hand holding one of the beautiful new shoes.Yes.I am, He starts to chant his own name and mocking himself yells out, Dezzie!

Dezzie! Dezzie!Salwen is getting a good laugh out of the exhibition. The trainer on the other hand needsto get things organized, so he jumps up and grabs the shoes out of Desmonds hands.

Stop it! Stop it! The trainer decrees. These were given to me and I need to return themthe way they cameexcept for having Kesss autograph on them.

Ho, Ho! Desmond laughs out loud and adds, Yes Salwen, lets not forget theautograph.Desmond then pretends to autograph a shoe and hands it off to Salwen pretending to be

an admiring fan.And what about the mud from the field? Salwen says as he points at the uneven, dryand dusty ground. Even our little superstar Kesscant avoid the mud and dust.

Just as Salwen is saying this, the trainer unravels a square patch of artificial grass forKess to stand on.Here Kess, the trainer says, You can stand or bounce on this.

Salwen and Desmond go into a fit of laughter and bounce off each other as they see theartificial grass and the extent of the pampering. Kess appears to be genuinelyembarrassed at the request and looks at the trainer with reluctance.

Now Ive seen it all, Salwen says as the friendly taunting continues. Please Mr.Kesscan you sweat a little for us?

As they laugh and razz him, a modest but embarrassed grin of disbelief appears onKesss face. He grabs a shoe out of Salwens hand and asks a question to the trainer,Do I really need to put them on?

The trainer just shrugs his shoulders as Salwen and Desmond continue laughing at theamusement of the whole situation.


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CHAPTER FOUR: MAMA GREETS KESS

Mama Rose is named after Rose Mapendo who witnessed her husbands murder and whose nine

children were forced to live in a camp among famine and disease during the genocidal cleansing ofthe Tutsi people. She fought off threats of rape on her daughters by the Hutu guards all while shewas pregnant with twins. She gave birth pre-maturely to the twins in the refugee camp and had to cutthe umbilical cord with a piece of bamboo. Rose and her family, now reside in the U.S. and sheserves as an ambassador to the conflict area she was once part of.

Emmanuel is named after Emmanuel Ruzindana, a Tutsi who now forgives his Hutu neighbour forkilling his sister during the Rwandan genocide. His forgiveness is complete, but comes withextenuating circumstances. Emmanuel felt guilty for accusing all Hutus during the investigation ofthe genocides, which may have in part, caused innocent Hutus to go to jail or be killed.

Lotta is named for Lotta Hitschmanova who helped found USC Canada. She travelled yearly tostrife-torn and poverty-stricken parts of the world searching out towns and villages in need of Cana-

dian assistance to recover from drought, war, disease and poverty. She was the first person that in-fluenced the author to sponsor an overseas child, as her TV and radio commercials back in the late70s and 80s drew attention to the plight of the less fortunate.

Kess is walking through the halls of a retirement home. Some of the staff, mainly themen come over to shake his hand like respectful fans would do. He appears to be a littlemodest and humbled by the attention. He makes his way into the sunroom where hismother is sitting and reading a newspaper.

Mama! Kess utters in a low tone as not to startle his mother.

Mama Rose looks up briefly at Kess.Hello Kess! she says then goes back to reading her paper.

Hello Mama, he says again.

Still gazing down at the newspaper, Mama says, You finally made it to see yourmother.

Kess sounds a little apologetic, but knows that its only been a few days since he lastsaw Mama and that Mama has a penchant for the dramatics.Mama.youre not going to tell me thatyoure still upset at living here are you? heask.

I still have my health and as you can see, she states firmly and continues to look downat the newspaper. I still have my eyes.


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Kess cups his Mamas chin and gently nudges it over so she would be looking at him.And that is the way Id like to have you for some time Mama.healthy! and I knowyou are happy and comfortable here, he says smiling directly into Mamas eyes.

Yes, yes! You know, Mama says as she shows a sense of acceptance and relents on her

firmness. I guess its not so bad after-all.Yes Mama, not so bad at all. Kess says trying to keep his mom from getting defensive,as she starts to warm up to his comments.Kess looks over to the rack of newspapers and magazines in the corner of the room..and look at all the newspapers you have to choose from here, he indicates to her bypointing over to them.

Mama now deflects the attention away from herself by asking Kess, I hope yourekeeping up with your studies. I dont need you getting too caught up in your soccer. Shethen sternly reminds him, Your studies are more important.

Kess acknowledges her concern, Yes Mama, I know.

You are lucky I can read, Mama states it as if it were an uncommon fact. We wereluckyand we have those nice people to thank who helped us when you were a littleboy. Mama is now gripping Kesss hand firmly as she says, Because of them, I gotthat job at the bankcause I learned to read and to know how numbers work.

Kess and his mother are now sitting next to each other, as he replies, I know Mama andbecause of that, you gave me some better soccer shoes.

Ha! Ha! Mama laughs out remembering fondly, Do you remember how I would scoldyou for putting holes in those shoes so fast?

Kess replies with a grin, I remember Mama...and if I knew you were half serious, Iwouldnt have kept playing every day.

Kess is looking straight at Mama with a smile. Mama is trying to pull off a stern look tomake believe like she was serious. A few seconds later, she bursts out into laughter.

Kess bursts out laughing as well and shakes his head in amusement . I told DirectorDian the story about the soccer shoes, he informs Mama.

Oh you saw Miss Dian? Mama asks.

Yes, she sends her regards, Kess adds, Shed love for you to go out for a visitsometime.

Well well see, Mama says.


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I had to go see her, Kess says then a smile appears on his face. I had a few gifts forthe children.

A few gifts? Mama says skeptically. What, another new school like last time?Yes Mama Kess responds with excitement, soon another part to the school. But

for now, I just brought them a bunch of new soccer balls.Well the soccer ball you played with when you were just a child is probably why Imreading about you in these newspapers, Mama says with a subdued sense of pride.

Reading about me? Kess replies innocently.

Yes my dear, Mama says directing Kess to the newspaper in her hands. You knowIm not just looking at the pictures here. Your name comes up quite a lot in the localsports pages.

Kesss face appears to have a bit of a surprised look on it.Even the staffers know who you are, Mama says as she looks over Kesss shoulder tosee a few of the men employees of the home looking in on them.

Kess looks over his shoulder at the men who have embarrassed smiles on their faces. Heacknowledges them with a smile and a slight wave and then looks back at his mother.

Mama looks at the men and gestures with a wave for them to come over.Come on over! Now you can ask him yourself, she says.

The men timidly make their way over.

Go ahead, Mama says to them. Ask him what you asked me.

Sir, I dont mean to trouble you and Mama Rose, the first man asks. But may I haveyour autograph?

Kess is genuinely shocked and embarrassed in front of his mom, with the man showingsuch respect to a younger person.

It is for my son, the man says and continues, He is 9 years old and says he wants toplay just like you when he grows up.

Kess, still surprised, looks at his mom as if for permission.Go ahead! Mama says. Theyve been asking me for a few weeks now.

Kess looks back at the man and addresses him, Sir, you just want me to sign myname?...and please call me Kess.


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Well Sir, uhhh..Kess, the man says stuttering nervously, you can make it say anythingand address it to Emmanuel.

Kess begins writing and saying what he is writing at the same time, To Emmanuel. Dowell in school and play well. Your friend, Kess.

Kess looks at the man and hands him back the sheet of paper, then looks back to hismother and says, Of course it is important to stay in school.

Kess looks again at his mother and informs her of his earlier shoe signing.I only did this once before. Mama, yesterday I was asked to sign 5 brand new pairs ofsoccer cleats. Kesss face lights up as he adds, Can you believe it!?

Mama says modestly, Oh who would have thought?

The second man is now eagerly waiting next to Kess, as Kess informs Mama,I will tell you about the shoes laterIt was like I was in heaven.

Kess smiles to the second man as he approaches.The man presents the paper to Kess and asks, Can you please write the same? Mydaughters name is Lottaand please Mr. Kess, The man pulls out an older filmcamera. Can I take a picture with you?

Yes of course, Kess replies looking down at his mother and smiles lovingly at her. Aslong as you take a picture ofme and my mother as well.

Oh of course Mr. Kess, the man says, as he agrees with Kesss request. It will be myhonour.

Kess gets up and stands next to the man. The previous gentleman is handed the camerato take the picture.

They both look at the camera and the flash pops.


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CHAPTER FIVE: COACH AT THE MALL

Coach Nelsons last name is revealed as being Gates. By drawing on more than 18 years in thesoccer coaching and business world, Nick Gates vision of Coaches Across Continents was developed.It encompasses an innovative vision that allows experienced coaches to work and assist in developingglobal regions, using a designed soccer education curriculum that encourages and develops youngpeople to become leaders in their communities.

Coach is standing next in line at a photo developing center. Hes waved forward by thecounter help.

May I help you? asks the counterperson.

Coach advances forward with the little memory card from his camera in his hand.

Yes. Hi. Good morning. Id like to get these developed, please, he says as he hands thememory card to the attendant.I really dont know how you do it with these things, Coach adds looking a littleconfused at the procedure for developing with a memory card.

Thats O.K. sir. Would you like one hour service? the counterperson says as he takesthe memory card from Coach.

Ok.sure. Oh,just a second. He stops and clarifies his order, I only need doubles ofthe shots of the players

Coach has been coming to this photo developer for so many years that the counterpersonknows exactly what his preference for the pictures will be.

Coach and counterperson say this in unison, and 15 prints of the team shot.

Yes Mr. Gates, the counterperson says with a smile and adds, This is my 8th year hereand I think I remember your order is the same every year.

Oh, thats very thoughtful of you, he says smilingback. And you can call meNelson.

So, will you need one hour service then Nelson? he enquires further.

Oh, I dont know. What did I do last year? Coach asks.

Now that, I cant remember,the counterperson says with a chuckle. But its about a$10 difference from one hour to same day service, which today is really only about athree hour wait.


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Coach looks over at the bench in the mall, where a few of his old buddies are sitting andhaving coffees.Oh Illtake the three hour service, Coach says as he nods over to his friends chatting inthe mall. I can kill a little time here.

The counterperson hands Coach the slip that he stuffs into his shirt pocket. He winks tothe counterperson and strolls over to where a few of his buddies are sitting and havingtheir coffee.

A group of five old men, most looking in their retirement years are seated at a table in thehallway of the indoor mall. These are Coachs friends that get together often, usually forcoffee and a little light conversation.

Coach acknowledges the guys as he approaches.Fellas! he says with a smile and a nod.

You taking some pictures over the weekend,Nelson? Carl enquires as he looks over tothe camera store that Coach just came out of.Yup! Coach states with a little excitement in his voice. Its the start of soccer season.

Carl, whos a bit hard of hearing yells out, What did you say?

Joseph, another of Coachs old buddies says it louder directly at Carl, He said its thestart of soccer season.

Carl, still looking a little bewildered replies, Oh, I dont follow soccer too much.

Joseph looks at Nelson with a little bit of frustration, knowing that Carl is hard of hearingand has misunderstood.Not regular soccer, Carl. Its Nelsons team here with the girls, Joseph says trying toclarify.

Ignoring Carl, Coach proudly exclaims, Yup! Team picturesSeason number 39.

Son of a gun, Joseph declares. I dont know how you do it, Nelson.

Oh, I love it, Coach says with a big smile. I wouldnt miss it for anything.

Boy, thats gotta tire ya out, Nick, another of his friendsadds with a grin. Heck, I gettired just walking here to the mall for a coffee.

All the guys chuckle together at the accuracy and shared sentiment of the comment.

Ah, youdont know what youre missing, Coach says boastfully. All that fun andenergy you get from being around these girls.


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Coach takes a second to put on a big thoughtful grin and adds, And theyre someathletes too!

Joseph looks at the fellas with a wily grin and adds jokingly, Well the Mrs. doesnt likewhen I get a bit of energy.

All the guys chuckle again, as Joseph winks at Coach.Well all you fellas are lucky you have such great kids and grandkids. Im sure they keepya busy, Coach says.

Hoh boy! Nickagrees then says with a chuckle, One birthday party after another.Youre right Nelson. The young do pick up our spirits.

Joseph interrupts Nick and adds, Yaand add to our waist-lines too. They sure do keepthe cake and ice cream companies busy with all those birthdays.Again the group lets out a chuckle.

Just then, Joseph finishes up his coffee and starts to get up from the table.Yup! And I think its time I start to walk off some of those treats, he indicates bypatting his belly. Time to do a few laps of the mall. Then he adds with a smile, I hearit might become an official sport at the old-timer Olympics.

The rest of the guys agree and chuckle as they all get up from the table.

Ya, Ive got a few things Ive got to pickup before my pictures are ready, Coach saysas the guys are going their separate ways.

CHAPTER SIX: COACH AT HOME

Viola is named after Viola Vaughn who was asked by a group of schoolchildren in Senegal to help them passtheir classes. Today, her 10,000 Girls program is helping girls succeed and learn business skills.

Gayle was named after Gayle Williams, a 34-year-old dual British-South African national who helpedhandicapped Afghans. She was shot by a sniper in the summer of 2008 as she was walking to work atabout 8 a.m.

Coach enters his darkly lit home after coming back from the mall. Walking in throughhis front hallway, he goes by a few half-packed boxes on the floor and then puts a bag ofgroceries down on the dining room table.

Left in his hands, is a small bag that is labeled Frames Plus. From the bag, he takes outa picture frame adorned with soccer balls and from the inside of his coat, he takes out thepackage of pictures he had developed.


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Coach now takes a seat on the couch with all the items out on the coffee table in front ofhim. Opening up the package of pictures, he starts to glance at a few of the single playershots. He quickly rifles through the stack to get to the team picture, which puts animmediate smile on his face.

He then grabs the frame, opens the back of it and puts the new picture of the team insideit. He holds it out at arms length and again gazes at it with a proud smile on his face. Hegets up and walks over to the mantle where a long line of similar looking picture framesare lined up.

He shuffles a few of them over to make space for the new one and places it at the end ofthe line. As he moves back to admire the mantle, he accidentally kicks a box that is lyingon the floor. Coach looks down at it in disgust and gives it a frustrated kick with his foot.Just then, there is a knock at the door and he walks over to see whos there.

Hello Viola! Coach says with a surprised tone as he opens the door.

Hiya Coach Nelson, Viola replies, I hope Im not

What a nice surprise. Coach says as he interrupts her.

Oh good, Viola says, Im not disturbing anything, am I?

Oh no Viola, not at all, he insists. Come in. Come in.

Well I saw you walking home, Viola says.

Oh? Coach replies a little vaguely.

Well weve moved since last season, Viola says clarifying for him. I guess were just afew blocks away from you now.

Well thats good, Coach says. Its a very nice neighbourhood.

Ive only seen you walk by a few times, but each time I see you through the window,youre gone in a flash, she says with a chuckle.

Ya some of my buddies say I walk too fast, he replies while looking down and noticinga box that Viola is holding in her hands.Whats in there? he asks curiously.

Huh? Viola says appearing forgetful, Oh these! I was so worried that I was botheringyou. These, Jane and I made them last night. She opens the box and shows Coach, Ithought youd like a few.

Mmmm, they look great. Coach indicates with a smile.


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We always over do it, Viola says then describes the cookies, Macadamia chocolatefudge.

Oh my! he exclaims. I love Macadamia nutsand chocolate fudge!

Then he says half jokingly, Better get the insulin ready.Viola responds with concern, Oh no Coach, really?

Coach now says with a big grin, No, Im just pullin your leg.

You bugger! Viola says with a relieved look on her face. She then glances over hisshoulder and eyes the picture frames on the mantle.Well would you look at this! she says as she walks over to get a closer look.

Yes! Coach says sounding very proud as he looks at the mantle as well.

My goodness! Viola declares,What is this, a shrine?

Ya! I suppose it looks that way, he says in agreement.

Theseare all different teams, Viola says realizing and states, There must bewhat25, maybe 30.

Viola is cut off by Coach, as he says in a boastful tone, 38 teamphotos.He then points to the far right end of the mantle and says, I just put this years rightthere.

Now thats dedication, Viola says then asks, I guess you missed the first year?

No, Coach replies.

Oh, I remember you saying last practice that this was your 39 thyear of coaching. Violarecalls.

Well it is, he replies. But itwasnt the first year I missed. It was 7 years ago.

Oh! Viola says wondering about his comment.

It was the year Gayle passed away, Coach says solemnly.

Oh Nelson, Viola says apologetically. Gayle was your wife, right.Im sorry.

Well that was a while ago Viola, Coach explains.It was just before the pictures wereto be taken -right at the start of the year. But you know. my mind wasnt all togetherthere at the time.


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Oh, of course Coach, Viola says sounding sympathetic.

Then Coach says in a very upbeat tone, as he tries to make Viola feel better and to changethe subject, But Ive got every other year.

Thats so incredible Coach, Viola says.She then walks back towards the mantle to look at a few more of the pictures andaccidently bumps into a few boxes strewn about on the floor.Oooops! she says.

Oh sorry about that Viola, he says with a little embarrassment.

Clearing a few things out Coach? Viola asks and then adds facetiously, or more soccerpictures?

Ha! Not quite, hesays amusingly. Just a few things that Ive been meaning to get ridof.

Viola looks down and notices whats in one of the boxes.Well, what a beautiful flatware set, she says.

Ya, Im sure, Coach replies. But Ive got no use for any of that stuff now.Oh cmon Coach, Viola says and takes a closer look at the items in one of the boxes.This is beautiful stuff.

Well I need to sell this stuff, Coach says as he appears to be a little embarrassed atdivulging that he might need a little organizing in his house and with his personalfinances.He clarifies that its really just an organizational thing he needs to address by saying, Imean Id like to get rid of this stuff. You know, make some room in here.

Viola notices the indecisiveness and approaches the situation as she carefully says,Coach, is there something wrong?

Well! he says sounding a little evasive, but at the same time appearing to want to talkabout it. Oh you know how things can get sometimes.

If theres anything we can do Coach, Viola says sympathetically. God knows youvebeen there for us.

Well, since when Gayle passed away, Coach says starting to open up. I guess I didntonly forget to take that one team picture. He smiles cautiously at Viola and continues,Iguess she took care of most things around here. Bills and thingsyou know!


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He then reconsiders, Well,anyway thats nothing to get yourself concerned over. Its justme being a little less organized than I should be. You knowI let things sit a little toolong sometimes.

Well Coach, look at all these pictures you have up here, she indicates to the mantle.

Two of my daughters are in whatat least 6 of these pictures. Coach were practicallyfamily, she says with a warm smile.

I know Viola, hereplies appreciatively. Its just that this place seems so big for menow.its almost like maybe I should down-size. All this stuff was never used anyway,just that Gayle was forever the optimist.

Violas eyes wander through the room, as she tries to give Coach some time and to makehim feel at ease with the circumstances. She spots a large pile of what appears to be billson the dining room table.Oh Coach, I dont want to seem like Im prying. Again, she glances over to the pile. I

just want to make sure if there is anything we can help with, you should let us know.Coach appears to be giving in a little, as if to want to discuss some of his issues.If I can find the energy to put a dent in this clutter, he says, maybe it would clear myhead too. Ive just got no patience for it and most of the energy I do have, I usually leaveout on the soccer field with the girls.

Viola looks at him with a warm look.

Good Lord, Coachcontinues, Its tough enough looking at this stuff every day, letalone move it around.

Viola glances down at the flatware set again and says with a grin, Hmmmm. Like thatflatware set over there?

Take it! Coach decrees in a serious tone adding, Its one less box Ive got to steparound.

Oh Coach, Im just kidding, Viola says in a half serious tone. That for sure issomething someone would pay a good dollar for. Heck! I might even make ya an offermyself.

Fine! he declares then states, Make me an offer and take it.

Listen, Coach! Viola says. For now, enjoy the cookies. Ive got to get back before thegirls get home and dont find me there.

Coach agrees, Oh of course.


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I really hope I didnt disturb you, Viola says, as she and Coach wander down thehallway towards the front door.

Dont worry about it he says as he opens the front door for her, and no, youdidnt bother me one bit.

Okthen! Viola says with a smile,Take care.

See you soon, Coach replies,and thanks for the cookies.

Coach closes the door and walks back towards the dining room table where the bills arepiled. He takes a seat and shuffles through the top few bills. Each of them is stamped ortyped with the words, Final Notice. He puts them down in frustration and gets up andwalks over to the mantle to look at the row of team pictures.

On his way over, he accidently kicks another box on the floor. Again, he rolls his eyes

and shakes his head in frustration.

CHAPTER SEVEN: KESS AT THE CLUBHOUSE

Kessparks his truck in his usual spot of the teams clubhouse parking lot. He grabs hissports bag out of the back of the cab and makes his way to the main entrance doorway.He walks into the clubhouse and barely gets to the door of the change room, when he isgreeted by his trainer and coach.

His coach has an unusual smile on his face and standing behind him is the trainer, withwhat appears to be a much more obvious and excited grin on his face.Kess! the coach states with excitement.

Yes coach, he replies looking at his coach a little oddly.

Kess, his coach again says becoming increasingly more excited, there are some menhere that have requested to see you.

Who coach? Kess asks as he scans his coachs strained face.

Still very excited and while trying to keep his composure his coach says, Theyre fromthe English First Division.

What! Kess replies quickly while looking over his coachs shoulder. From England?

Yes! he says with excitement, And they came here to talk to you.


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Kess cups his hands over his mouth in amazement.To me? he replies speaking through his cupped hands in disbelief, From FirstDivision?

Yes you! his coach says getting louder and more excited. Then he realizes hes too loudand says it in a much softer tone as he grabs Kesss arm,Yes, to you!He points at his office door with a big grin on his face and says, In my office. They wantto see you now!!

Kess, his coach and the trainer walk a few feet down the hall to the team office. The twopart and let Kess take the lead. Kess stops with his nose now about half a foot from thedoor. He stands motionless and stares at the door with hesitation. From just behind, hiscoach nudges him a little further in order to get him to open the door.

Kess taps lightly on the door and makes his way in. The two men inside the office turn

and acknowledge Kess.Kess! Mr. Hudson says.

Oh, hello there lad, Mr. Goldman adds.

Kess bashfully nods his head to each of them and appears to still be in disbelief of theirpresence.

Hello! Kess says to Mr. Hudson.

Good morning, he replies and nods to Mr. Goldman.

Both men approach to shake Kesss hand.

My name is Paul Paul Hudson, he says to a stunned looking Kess and adds, fromChelsea F.C. and this is my colleague, Mr. Goldman .

Kess still looks a little bewildered as to the reason they are there.

Dont look so surprised Kess, Mr. Hudson says. When someone like you dominates aleague like you do, you should expect these kinds of visits.

Yes sir! Kess responds rather naively, still not identifying himself as a person of somenotoriety. I mean I didnt even know there were scouts here.

Well we have our ways offinding out, Mr. Goldman says as he waves at Kess a pile ofgame-sheets in his hand. Just reading these game sheets tells us everything. Your nameis all over the scoring sheet.


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Im on those a lot? Kess responds again naively, staring at the game sheets in thegentlemans hand.

Yes lad! Mr. Goldman says, 2 and 3 goals a game.and we know the caliber of playis quite good in your league. Mr. Goldman hands Kess the pile of game-sheets saying,

So its not like youre dominating in a poorly played league.I just enjoy playing, Kess replies and looks up saying modestly to Mr. Hudson, and Ihave good team-mates too.

Yes, Im sure you do, Mr. Hudson replies. But youre striking from outside 28metersthat long ball with such power and accuracy would surprise a lot of keepers.

Well when I was young, Kess goes on to explain, We had to be accurate.if the ballwould miss the goal, the person who kicked it and missed would have to go into thebushes to get it, Kess starts to get a bit of a grin on his face, as he describes, and

there would always be a chance of being eaten by a lion there. Kess sees the mensmiling as well and concludes, So we had to be accurate.

Kess and the two men break out in full laughter, as Kess adds, At least that is what mymama warned me about.

Well lad, Mr. Goldman says with a chuckle, you may have to get prepared to enter adifferent kind of jungle. Unfortunately, there might be a few reporters hounding you ifyou decide to try out for us.

I would love to try out for your team, Kess says with a reserved excitement. Thatwould be a dream come trueand jungles dont scare me.

Well we understand that youve been chosen to play for a Select team, Mr. Hudsonsays.

Yes, we are preparing to leave soon, Kess acknowledges.

Well the tour is for a couple of weeks, Mr. Hudson says. Youll know what a mediajungle is all about after that.

As Mr. Hudson is speaking, Kess looks down at the first game sheet. He scans the sheetfor his name and silently moves his lips like he is countingone, two.three.

Three! Kess startles the men with his excitement, as he shouts out how many goals hehad on that game sheet. Three goals in that game, Kess clarifies then looks up at themen with a satisfying grin and again tempers his excitement by stating modestly, But Ijust like to play.

Yes lad! Mr. Goldman says. And that is what we like the most about you.


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Kess continues looking through a few more of the game sheets as the men are speaking.

But you know youll have plenty of people looking to talkto you when youre out ontour, Mr. Hudson warns. Especially, when they see what you can do.

Oh I dont know, Kess states rather bashfully. Im just happy talking toyou.

Well we hope you feel that way after the tourney, Mr. Hudson says, while lookingskeptically at Mr. Goldman.

Kess continues to look down and is absorbed with the details of the game sheets.

CHAPTER EIGHT: COACHS HOME IN THE MORNING

Its early morning and Coach is just sitting down with his coffee at the kitchen table.There is a pile of bills in front of him. He unfolds a few of them out onto the table andbegins to go through them.

Hmmm, Coach mumbles in an annoyed tone, Past Due!He goes on to the next one and sees the same notification. He unfolds one last bill andagain, Past Due, is written! Coach sighs in frustration and runs his hand through hishair, as he mumbles to himself saying, Do any of these things say, Paid in full?

He decides to open a few of the envelopes that are still sealed. Opening and unfoldingthe first one, he scans it with his eyes and reads it out, HmmmPast Due. Theres ashocker, he says in a defeated tone.Then he adds with a smirk, Maybe I should change my name to Past Due.

He sets down the invoice and with a frustrated look on his face he gets up from thekitchen table. Coach walks over to a buffet cabinet and opens the top drawer.Where is thatblasted checkbook? He says mumbling to himself.

As hes shuffling through the piles of papers in the drawer looking for his checkbook, hesees a picture of Gayle in front of him on the cabinet shelf. It makes him stop what he

was doing and instead, he picks up the picture frame holding Gayles image. He gazes atit for a few seconds with loving eyes and pleads, Oh Gayle! You gotta help me out withthis stuff.

Holding the picture frame in one hand, he reaches for the checkbook lying under somepapers in the drawer and walks back to the kitchen table. Just as he is sitting down, hehears a knock at the front door.


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With the picture of Gayle still in his hand he heads down the hallway and opens the door.Standing there with bright cheerful smiles are five of the girls from his soccer team.

Oh my! Coach says in a shocked tone.

Hiya coach! The cheery group shouts out. What! Coach asks with a blank look on his face, Did I miss a practice or something?

No Coach, Elaine says with a big smile,we just came over to give you a hand withthings.

A hand? Coach says still seeming lost, With what?

Well my mom said you needed help with moving a bunch of boxes and stuff, Jane says.

A thoughtful look appears on Coachs face. It slowly changes to a grin, as he glancesbehind him at the mess on the floor and states, Oh really, a bunch of boxes!

The girls still standing at the door have an anxious look on their faces in anticipation ofhis response.

Well yes! A beaming smile lights upCoachs face. Yes I suppose I can use a hand.Come on in! he says as he steps aside to let the girls through.

Each of the girls walks by him with big smiles on their faces. As the last of the girls comein, he closes the door and looks to the picture of Gayle in his hand. He then glancesskywards and at the same time says to the girls, As a matter of fact, I was just talking tosomeone and was hoping theyd send me a little help.

Ok Coach! Marie says,Where do you want us to start?

Hmmm, Coach glances around. Im not sureyou caught me a little off-guard.Then Coach has a sudden thought as he asks the group of girls, Whos good in math?

All five of the girls raise their hands. They look around at each other and giggle, as theyrealize all of them have their hands raised in the air.

I should have known, Coach says, Just as competitive as you are on the soccer field.OK.tell ya what! He says eying the girls. Were going to deal with this as if it werea soccer game.

Well Coach, Jenna states jokingly, my mom never lets me kick the ball around in thehouse. Her giggles cause the others girls to giggle at her goofiness as well.

Ok smart alec! Coach smirks at Jenna and adds, Theres no soccer ball in this game.


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Coach now stands tall and sounds assertive while barking out instructions.OK, listen up! he says.

The girls pipe down and listen, as if on a soccer field.

Coach continues, as he starts with two of the girls, Elaine.Julie, theres at least adozen boxes downstairs. I want you two to get them up here.

Ok Coach! Elaine says, while Julie nods in agreement.

Coach then quickly comments on the hoodie Elaine is wearing, Elaine, I love thatyellow sweatshirt, but those boxes down there are pretty dusty- sobe careful.

Nice, huh Coach? Elaine acknowledges Coachs compliment and adds, My aunt gotme this hoodie.

Hoodie? Coach utters, not really being aware of the more common term. OK. Justdont get it dirty.

Coach then moves on to two others. Jenna and Marieyou take the stuff out of theboxes and Ill give you a thumbs upor a thumbs down on the stuffOK?

Jenna gives him a thumbs up and replies, No problem Coach.

Marie agrees enthusiastically, Gotchya Coach!

Jane feeling a little left out asks, What about me Coach?

Jane, hesays, Youre going to be sitting over here by me. Coach is now lookingstraight at Jane and surprises her by saying, Youve always been good at second-guessing me.

Jane looks shocked and surprised at what she thinks he is accusing her of doing.What Coach? I never Jane stammers a bit, looking embarrassed and then is cut-offby Coach.

Oh, I didnt mean it that way, Coach clarifies,You remember when you told meKristie had a hot foot during that game near the end of last years season?

Jane recalls and regains a confident look on her face, remembering the occasion.Ya Coach, I remember, Jane says robustly.

So we fed her the ball, Coach explains, and she popped in that late winning goal wheneveryone was tired.

I remember Coach, Jane states enthusiastically. Bam! What a great shot that was!


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Yup! It was a beauty, Coach recalls and then adds,Well, so I need you to make suremy tired old eyes arent throwing out some of this stuff that might be useful.

He smiles and winks down at Jane.

I gotchya covered Coach,She smiles back. Nice plan.Then Jane adds sarcastically in a bit of a brown-nosing way, Why youre not coaching inthe Big Leagues is beyond me.

Coach looks down over his glasses at Jane with a smirk on his face and acknowledges hernot so subtle compliment with a chuckle and says, Well then, Oklets get started.

The girls start to scurry about to their assignments.Oh, first things first! Coach says getting their attention and points to a box on the floor,Jane! That box over there, with the silver flatware in it.

Jane points down to the box asking, This one Coach?

Ya! Coach confirms, Your mother had her eye on that. So set it overthere by the doorfor her.

OK, Coach! Jane agrees and goes over to the box and says sarcastically while winkingat the rest of the girls, Looks like youre already making great deals before the tradedeadline!Jane finds the box a little heavier than she thought it to be and just slides it over to thedoor.

I gotta room full of smart alecs! Coach says as he shakes his head. Then with anappreciative grin he adds, Lets get workin.

The girls are busy bringing up and sorting through the boxes. Some of the big pieces arebeing brought over to Coach and Jane for their decision. Other stuff being pitched intothe recycle or garbage bins.Jane opens up the envelopes and sorts them out on the kitchen table for Coach. She thenwrites out different amounts on the checks and writes in big letters on the bills.Paid InFull.Finally, the girls bring up a few boxes from the basement. Theyre filled with old soccertrophies and medals.

Coach, you should be in the soccer hall of fame, Marie says, as she starts pullingmedals and trophies out of one of the boxes. Look at all these awards.

Oh, those are from the many years, Coach recalls. Bring that over herelets take alook.


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Marie puts the few things back in the box and brings it over to him. The rest of the girlshuddle around to see whats in the box.I remember these, he says as Coach pulls out some of the items and is squinting at thema bit.

Julie pulls out another plaque from the box and looks at it inquisitively. Look at thisone! I wasnt even born when you got this one, she says showing it to the rest of them.

Probably none of you were! Coach says, as he takes the plaque from Julie. Lets seethat.Yup! Coach ponders, 1992I think maybe a few of your older sisters were on thisteam.

Coach look! Elaine says and shows him a few medals shes pulled out of the box.1983. Oh my god! Was like my mom even born then?

Coach chuckles, Well, Ok. Maybe it was more than a lifetime ago for you all. But forme, that wasnt all that long ago.

Boy Coach, Jane says, You really love soccer, dont you?

Well, look at all the great memories. he says as he gets a little misty-eyed.

Marie cuts off Coach mid sentence as she finds something else in a box, Hey Coach!she says, You never told us that you had kids.

What? Coach says appearing a little surprised, Well we didnt.

Marie walks over to the rest of them holding a file. Well, I found this and its labeledFamily.Coach takes the file from Marie and looks at the title on it.

Oh this is old too! he says with a smile. We sponsored a few children, Coach says ashe leafs through the file. My wife and I thought it was a good idea to be Foster Parents.

Oh Coach, Elaine says,Thats so sweet.

Well we couldnt have any of our own, he informs the girls. Then he shows a little ofhis sensitive side. We thought it would be nice.You know.to help those a little lessfortunate.

Well thats great Coach, Jane says.I know Kates family has a picture of their fosterchild on their fridge door.


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Well that is great. Coach says and then tries to deflect the attention on his personalmatters by changing the subject. And weve accomplished quite a bit today here ladies.He takes a look around. Look at how much better this place looks.

All the girls nod in agreement, as Marie remembers one last thing, Hey Jane! Dont

forget the box for your mom by the door.Jane looks over at it and her eyes open widely.Oh its so heavy, Coach. Jane says as she slumps her shoulders then suggest, Cant wejust come by later and get it?

Jane knows how heavy the box is and doesnt want to be burdened with it for the walkhome.She tries to reason with Coach by making a good point.If I drive back with my mom, then at least you can talk about what it might be worth,she says emphatically to Coach.

Hey, Ive got an idea Coach, Marie adds. Why dont we just have a mini garage salehere?

Oh, I dont want a bunch of strangers waltzing around my place, Coach says soundinga little reluctant.

Well then, Marie says,why dont we invite just the rest of the team.and our parentstoo. Theyre the ones with the money anyway. She winks at the rest of the girls and thegroup chuckles at the sarcastic but valid point.

Ya. Jane says sounding excited, Then I can take the list of the stuff we made Coachand see how much things are really worth on EBay or something!

EBay? Coach says with a bewildered look on his face. Whats that?

Jane looks at all the girls giggling at the fact that Coach doesnt know what EBay is.Dont worry Coach, Jane says with a forgiving smile, Well take care of that end.

Well if you think this stuff is wanted by somebody, Coach says sounding moreaccommodating.

Youve got a lot of neat things here Coach, Elaine says.

We can come by tomorrow, OK? Jane says eagerly and adds,Say around 10?

Alright! Alright! Coach says submissively as they make their way to the front door.Well see you all tomorrow.


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The girls come strolling down from Coachs front porch and are now walking home alongthe sidewalk in a group. Theyre all giggling and playfully shoving each other, as the talkis about helping out Coach that day.

Im glad we could help Coach, Elaine says with a big grin on her face.

Ya, that was a great idea, Jane adds.

He just needs a little organizing, thats all! Elaine barks out.

Did anyone know his wife before she passed away? Marie asks.

Nope, not me, Elaine quickly replies.

Me neither! Jane replies then adds,Maybe my parents did cause my older sister wascoached by him too.

The girls walk a bit further down the street when Elaine stops to put on the bright yellowhoodie she was carrying. The rest of the group stops and waits for her.Elaine then says to the group, I think its neat that Coach and his wife sponsored fosterchildren. Was it a few or just one?

I dont know, Marie says.

I saw a few different faces in that folder, Jane says. But Im not sure.

Well I think its neat thatKates family is a sponsor too, Marie adds.

Ya, that picture of that littlegirl on the fridge is so niceShes a little cutie! Jane saysas she giggles and elbows Marie. I guess its just like having a little sister. You can evensee her grow up with the pictures they send ya!

Ya, Ive seen that, Marie indicates. Sometimes they even have a letter next to it fromher.

Wow! So neat, Elaine says, I know my parents talk about sponsoring a child, but thenI think they never get around to it.

What they meant to say Elaine, Marie says jokingly,is that theyd trade you in foranother child.ha!

The girls break out in a loud laugh and continue their walk on home.


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CHAPTER NINE: KESS IN HIS APARTMENT

Kess comes into his apartment and throws his gym bag down on the floor. He still hasthe game sheets given to him by the English team officials in hand and sits in his loungechair shuffling through the sheets again.

He stops at one game sheet that has a big red four circled up on the top of the page. Thiswas made by the English officials and he reads it out loud to himself.Four goalsha ha, he lets out a chuckle, I remember that one.

He rifles through a few more of the game sheets, then stops abruptly and presses all ofthem tightly to his chest. Kess finally realizes the magnitude of the visit from these mento the team office.

My goodness! Kess says to himself andbreaks into a giddy boyish fit. A FirstDivision team came to see me, Kess! Oh my goodness.

He bounces out of the chair and jumps to punch the air above him in excitement andshouts, I cannot believe it!

Kesss joyful exuberance quickly appears to be dampened as he glances over to his deskin the corner of the room. He walks over to the desk and picks up a very old and beatensoccer ball that is sitting on the shelf. The ball has some barely distinguishable markingson each of the panels that make up the ball. He looks at it carefully and then looksupward.Oh papa! You would not believe it now, Kess says with a slight but proud smile on hisface.

He gazes back at the ball for a moment when suddenly, his team-mate Salwen barges intohis apartment.Kesssuperstar! Salwen yells to Kess in a mocking and sarcastic way.

Stop it, Salwen! Kess gently threatens back.

Salwen pleads to Kess, Yes superstar, we have to go and have one more dinner before

you become famous and forget about all your old friends and team-mates.

Dont be silly, Salwen Kess replies, Im not going anywhere.He pauses to consider the meeting with the First Division officials. I mean, well younever know. He smiles at Salwen knowing thing might be changing quickly.

Now whos being silly? Salwen says trying to reason with Kess. Today you met withtwo men from an English First Division team.


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Salwen continues on starting to exaggerate the points as he lists off the recent turn ofevents in Kesss life.You are leaving on an international soccer tournament with a select team. Salwen saysas his tone gets gradually more excited, and you kicked a soccer ball offa fake piece of

grass wearing five different pairs of brand new cleatsSalwen looks directly at Kess and continues adding with a slight chuckle and tease,..and of course you signed the cleats, right? You do know how to spell your namecorrectly, dont you? He ribs Kess and drapes his arm over his shoulder, addingsarcastically, Yes!Youre not going anywhere Kess!

Kess, with a self-realizing smile on his face shows Salwen the old soccer ball in hishand.This is the first soccer ball I ever owned, Salwen, he says holding it up to him. I dontknow why I kept it. It was so beautiful when I first saw it. So beautiful that I did notwant to kick it and dirty the way it looked.

Well from the looks of it, you changed your mind. Salwen says with a chuckle.

When I was young, it was one of the very few things I ownedand yes, he says with asmile, I did change my mind. Once we were done our chores, we just had to get out andplay. Kess looks at his friend for assurance. Im sure you knew how it felt.

Salwen reflects with Kess and nods in agreement as he continues.I have my Mama Rose to thank for making me take responsibility in life. She alwaystold me that you had to be responsible for yourself and for your actions. Oh, but thisball! He stops to reflect. This ball made life bearable. He pauses for a few secondsthen adds, Oh, the hours of fun on that field we had with this ball .

Kess again looks at Salwen and stresses the importance of his mama, My mama wouldthreaten me by saying some lion would get me if I didnt get in before the sun wentdown.

Your mamas threats probably kept you out of a lions mouth, Salwen says with achuckle and adds, My mother said the same thing.

You know there were very little things to make us happy as children, Kess reflectssomberly. Something as simple as this ballWhat a difference it made!

Kess stares directly at Salwen and adds, I didnt know what having nothing wasbecause thats all we had.

Salwen agrees with him, but tries to get Kess out of his sentimental mood.Come on! Salwen says, Lets go and say good-bye to all the team-mates youre goingto leave behind when you become a famous superstar.


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Ok lets go. Kess says smiling at Salwen, then adds facetiously, But Im not signingany autographs.Both have a good laugh as they leave his apartment with Salwens arm draped overKesss shoulders.

CHAPTER TEN: EVERY ONE AT COACHS HOUSE

Warren is named after Warren Buffett, who announced his decision to donate some $37 billion worthof shares in his firm, Berkshire Hathaway, to five charitable foundations. The largest recipient(receiving some $31 billion) will be The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which specializes in globalhealth and education projects.

Jock is named after Jock Brandis who was struck by the raw, bleeding hands of women shellingpeanuts by hand in Africa. Jock Brandis developed a universal nut sheller. Today, he shares thattechnology -- free of charge -- through the Full Belly Project.

Early the next morning, theres a knock at Coach Nelsons door. Coach walks down hishallway and looks through the door window to see who it is. Hes shocked when he opensthe door and the girls from the soccer team and their parents are standing on the frontporch.

Hey Coach! the group of girls shout out.

Oh my! Coach exclaims looking a little shocked at what appears to be quite a few girls

crammed on his porch.

We told ya wed be here, Elaine says waving at Coach. And this isnt everybody yet!

Marie notices Coachs surprised look and comments,Youre used to seeing us on the bigsoccer field coach.

Ya Coach. Jane adds,Maybe you needa bigger porch or something.The girls break out in laughter.

Viola, whos standing behind the girls sees his surprised look as well and says, Maybe

this is too much at once for ya Coach?

Oh, hi Viola, Coach says, not having a chance to see the few parents behind the row ofchildren. Nonsense! We did so well yesterday at getting things organized around here.Then he directs this to the children, We gotta keep the rhythm goingright girls?

The girls say in unison, agreeing with Coachs statement,Right Coach!


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All the girls come stomping into the house like a herd of elephants past Coach.He then says to Viola now coming in, I figured it was too late to change my mindanyway.

Coach, we kinda thought that you might be caught off guard, Viola says, while carrying

a covered tray in hand, So we brought a few snacks along with us.Warren, Violas husband is walking behind her and waves, Heya Coach.

Hello Warren, Coach acknowledges Warren and notices hes got a can of cherry cola inhis hand.

A little early for a can of pop dont ya think, Warren? Coach says.

Im the driver Coach, Warren replies,So I gotta stay alert. He raises his can toCoach. And Im the official snack taster too. So Ill be overthere, as he indicates to

where Viola is putting down the tray of food.Jane comes over to Coach with an open note pad and shows him some of the informationon one of the page.We did a lot of homework last night after we left Coach, she says.

Oh, I hope you dont have any school tests that this is getting in the way of! he saysquite innocently.

No Coach!....Not school work, Jane replies, then says in a friendly mocking manner,knowing Coach didnt know what EBay was last time, I mean,onEeeeeeBayremember? She then looks at the rest of the team as they giggle at Coach for not beingup to date with the internet.

Coach just looks at the parents as he tries to play along, recalling not knowing what EBaywas.He then looks at the players and mocks back at them, Oh right!EeeeeeBay.

Ya, I checked it out Coach, Janesays as shes still giggling, We got the going rate formost of the stuff that we have on your list.

Where did ya get all this stuff anyway, Coach?Jock, one of the fathers asks,It lookslike a Home Shopping Channel depot in here.The group has a chuckle.

Dont you mind him Coach, Viola says, as though defending Coach.

Oh dont get me wrong, Jock says in an apologetic tone, youve got some nice stuffhere.


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Jock is now seated and using one of the items. It happens to be an inner leg resistor.Expecting Viola to give him a stern look, he says to her, Here honey, this one heres foryou.

Viola does in fact give him a stern look and just smirks at his public rudeness

Warren, who is already feeding his face at the snack table, looks up and comments, Ididnt think anyone really bought this stuff.

Coach replies with a tone of frustration, Well Gayle didand she bought it a lot!

One of the girls brings Warren an ab-resistor thats still in its box.He smiles at her while still chewing and says, Youd never find me on one of thesethings!

Coach looks at Warren and then to his gut and says, Doesnt look like youd fit on it.

The girls all have a laugh.Just then, the door-bell rings.Ill get it Coach, Viola says,Its probably more of the team.

CHAPTER ELEVEN: HANNAH AND MARIE AND THE FILE

Hannah is one of the young soccer players and is named after Hannah Salwen. Her observation of

Americas poor was the reason that the Salwen family decided to sell their home and give half thesale price of their old house to a life-changing program run by The Hunger Project that is helpinghundreds of thousands of people in Africa.

Marie and Hannah are going through a few boxes in one of the back rooms at Coachshouse. Hannah opens up the box and finds the file that is labeled Family.

Hey Marie! Hannah says as she takes a quick peek inside one of the folders, Are theseother kids that Coach taught soccer to?

Marie takes the folder from Hannah and opens it wider.Nope! Marie says,You know who these are?

Hannah gazes at Marie with a blank stare and just shrugs her shoulders.

These are kids that Coach and his wife used to sponsor, Marie informs Hannah.Theyre from different countries in the world. Neat huh?


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Wow! That really is neat, Hannah replies with excitement. My uncles familysponsors a child from where my dad and my uncle are from. Im not exactly sure wherethat is though.

Hannah and Marie go through the file looking at the pictures and flipping them over to

see what their names are.Marie flips one over and reads, Christina from Ecuador.hmmmm!

Hannah flips one over, but cant pronounce the name.This one is uhhhhTruaTruan, she says with some difficulty. This ones tougher.It says from Vietnam.

Hmmmthis ones from Mali. Is that a country? Marie asks.

Yes it is, as it catches Hannahs interest. Its not too far from where my Dad is from.Well kind of. My dad was born in Nigeria, Hannah recalls.

Marie reads out his name, It says his name is Kess.

Kess? Hannah asks. Lets see!

Marie passes her the picture and Hannah reads it.No, thats Kess. Like with an ay at the end of it. Thats what the accent does to thelast e, see?

OK, Marie says. I got it!Marie goes on to the next picture.This one is from Bolivia? Hmmm. Carmen I thinkits a little smudged.

Marie is cut off by Hannah.Can I see that last one? Hannah asks,The Kessone.

Marie passes her the picture. Hannah looks to be concentrating very intently at the picturethen abruptly asks Marie a question, Does Coach have a computer here?

Excuse me! Marie looks at Hannah as if shes forgotten the conversation earlierwithCoach. Dont you remember.EeeeeeeBay? Marie mimics Jane for what she didwhen they all came in earlier and mocked Coach.

Oh right! Hannah recalls,Coach is a little behind.

Hannah stands up and continues to stare at the picture of the little boy in her hand. Sheindicates to Marie that she just has to go and do something very quickly.Im just going to be a few minutes. I need to check something out, she says as she boltsout of the room.


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CHAPTER TWELVE: HANNAH AT HER HOUSE

Kevin and Joan are named for Kevin and Joan Salwen. They are the parents of Hannah Salwen andthe owners of the home that is being sold for the Hunger Project.

Peter is named for Sir Peter Ustinov, who was appointed as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1968.An advocate and fund-raiser, he drew much needed attention to the plight of the needy worldwide.

Yohannes is Hannahs uncle and named for Yohannes Gebregeorgis who was moved by the lack ofchildren's books and literacy in his native Ethiopia. Yohannes Gebregeorgis established EthiopiaReads, bringing free public libraries and literacy programs to thousands of Ethiopian children.

Hannah quickly jumps off ofCoachs front porch and races down the street. She turnsthe corner and comes to an abrupt stop at a red light. She anxiously waits for it to turngreen. It finally does and she looks both ways then proceeds to lightly jog through the

intersection, speeding up once shes on the sidewalk.

Just up the block, she turns up her walkway and into her house. She bolts right throughthe kitchen door, where her parents were just getting ready to go to Coachs place.

Hannah heads right up the stairs with her mother looking at her running by.Hannah! her mother Joan yells out, What are you doing here?

I need to check something, Hannah yells back,I need the computer.

Her father Kevin and mother Joan are at the base of the stairs looking at each other, as her

father decides to head up to see what is so important that she needs the computer. Herfather gets into the study where he finds Hannah about to search something on thecomputer.

So whats so important that you had to come all the way back here? her father asks.

Hannah takes out the picture that she has of Kess and flips it over for the information.Her father notices it and picks it up.Whats this? he asks.

Dad! Dad! Hannah responds while still trying to catch her breath. I just have to

search this out.Search what? Where did you get this picture? her father asks.

Dad, Ill explain in a sec. I just want to search this name, she replies.

All right, he says while looking at his wife Joan, whos now standing next to him.


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Hannah enters the name into the computer and the results come up.Hmmmm!Hannah now looks at her parents.

Mom! Dad! Coach had like 5 or 6 foster kids, she explains to them.

Oh, how nice! her father says.

YaThey were from all over the world, Hannah describes. Marie and I weresupposed to get everything in order for the garage sale. But I found this and I just had tofind out.

Find out what? her mother asks.

Since last year Peter has been telling me about a soccer player that Uncle Yohanneskeeps hearing about when he goes back to Nigeria for his oil conferences, Hannah

explains.So what does this have to do with this boy? her father asks.

Peter told me his name is Kess, Hannah replies.

Hannah, where your uncle and I were born, her father informs Hannah, the nameKess is very common.

It is? Hannah says ina bit of a disappointed tone. Ive never heard of it, except whenPeter told me.

Well, look at all the results the search page brought up! herfather indicates. Does hehave a last name?

I dont know. Im not sure, Hannah says with uncertainty.

What about the person yourcousin Peter tells you about, her mother asks.

I dont know,Hannah says vaguely. Its not like it ever meant too much to me.

Wellthe chances are mighty slim, her father informs Hannah then adds, but instead ofgoing through a million pages, why dont we just call your uncle Yohannes and ask if heknows this Kesss last name.

Oh Daddy, can we? Hannah says with her eyes widened with excitement.

I havent talked to him in a few weeks, her father says and then adds with a grin on hisface, or would you rather look through a million search pages on the computer?


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Hannah gets up quickly from the computer seat to reach for the telephone and says,Lets go call!

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: COACH IN THE BASEMENT

Coach and the two dads, Jock and Warren are downstairs in Coachs basement. The roomis adorned with soccer banners and souvenirs.

So youvereally been doing this for 40 years C

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