Fast Pitch

Shenice and her family visit Uncle Jack, but he sleeps while they are there. In the car, Shenice asks why her parents did not tell her Jack was sick; her dad explains that they wanted her to connect with Jack and not write him off as a dying old man. Once they arrive home, Shenice closes herself in her room and reads JonJon’s journal. He primarily writes about day-to-day life, but a few entries corroborate Jack’s story. A few days later, they return to visit Jack and, though he is awake, he is not lucid. His nurse discusses softball with Shenice before handing her a note from Uncle Jack containing an address.

Shenice tries to find the address; she fails until she asks her dad about the street name. He reveals that the street’s name changed and asks why she wants to know. She spins a story about a Civil Rights Movement project she is working on; she cannot tell whether her dad believes her. She asks her dad to drop her off early for practice, which he does without question since arranging Uncle Jack’s affairs. She finds the house, which is run down, but is the most “together” house on the street.