Feel-Good Stories to Read Online: They All Fall for Pickleball (Short Story About Family)
In this short story about family, when Gabe skips out of his school’s gym class to eat at a hot dog, he discovers an unexpected secret. Will this be the game-changer Gabe’s been looking for?
They All Fall for Pickleball (Short Story About Family)
Under the glow of a mid-autumn sun, 13-year-old Gabe found himself reluctantly jogging alongside his gym class down a tree-lined street. His sneakers slapped against the sidewalk in a rhythm that spelled misery. Each breath was a silent protest, his gaze darting around for an escape from the boredom and discomfort of the run.
“Why do we have to run around the block like we’re training for a marathon we never signed up for?” Gabe muttered to himself, his legs feeling like lead with every step.
Beside him, his friend Alex huffed, equally dismayed, “Because Coach thinks we’re all born athletes, Gabe. Look at me; do I look like I’m about to win a gold medal?”
Their shared misery was a small comfort, but as they rounded the corner, Gabe’s eyes lit up with a mischievous glint. There, just across the street, was the park – and more importantly, the food truck that was a beacon of hope with its promise of delicious escape.
“Alex, I have a plan,” Gabe whispered, a grin spreading across his face.
“What? You’re going to sprint? Now you decide to show some enthusiasm?” Alex asked, bewildered.
“No, better. I’m going to sneak off for a hot dog. Meet you at the finish line, champ,” Gabe said, his tone playful as he veered off course. He made his way to the food truck like a famished dog looking for scraps.
Gabe bought a hot dog and a soda and made his way to an empty park bench.
As he sat down, loud laughter and lively chatter drew his attention. There, on the tennis courts, was a group of senior women, causing quite the commotion with their exuberant play. Dressed in flamboyant tennis outfits, complete with oversized sweatbands and brimmed caps that seemed to dance in the sunlight, they moved with youthful enthusiasm despite their age.
“Margaret, you’re slow like a tortoise on vacation!” one of the women shouted, her voice booming across the park.
Another screamed back, “Well, at least I don’t serve like I’m swatting flies, Ethel!”
Their laughter was infectious, and Gabe couldn’t help but chuckle as he watched them, their spirits as high as their fashion sense was bold. Gabe sat on a bench at the park, nibbling on his hot dog with a mix of defiance and relief, watching the group of women playing a rowdy game of pickleball.
It was amidst this lively scene that Mrs. Harnack, one of the spirited players, noticed him. “Gabriel? What are you doing here during school hours?” she asked, approaching him with a curious gaze, her sweatband slightly askew and her paddle in hand.
Gabe was surprised. He recognized the older lady as a friend of his grandma. She often would be at his Grandma’s house when Gabe and his parents would visit.
Caught mid-bite, Gabe contemplated feigning ignorance but instead opted for honesty, his words muffled by a mouthful of hot dog, “Hi, Mrs. Harnack. I’m not gonna lie – I’m here because I skipped out of gym class.”
Mrs. Harnack raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching in amusement, “And instead, you’re eating hot dogs to get physical activity?”
Gabe nodded, swallowing his bite, “Eating this hot dog is the best activity I’ve done all day.”
Gabe shifted uncomfortably, scared Mrs. Harnack was going to tell on him and get him in trouble. After seeing the concerned expression on the older woman’s face, he unexpectedly found himself opening up about his disdain for gym class. He spoke of the itchy uniforms, the overzealous boys, and the relentless teacher who seemed to have it out for him.
Mrs. Harnack listened intently, her eyes softening with each word. “How about we make a deal, Gabe? Join me and my friends for a game of Pickleball this weekend. If you still hate sports by the end of the day, I’ll keep your secret,” she offered, a gentle smile gracing her lips.
Reluctantly, Gabe agreed, his curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar sport and the kindness in Mrs. Harnack’s eyes.
That Saturday, under a sky streaked with white clouds, Gabe stepped onto the Pickleball court, his heart pounding with nervous excitement. To his utter surprise, there, among Mrs. Harnack and her friends was his grandma, paddle in hand, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him.
“Grandma! You play Pickleball?” Gabe exclaimed, a mixture of shock and delight washing over him.
“Of course, my dear! And I’ve been playing for years. Ethel told me about your gym class adventure the other day. And we both think it’s about time you joined in the fun,” she replied, her laughter echoing through the court.
The game was fast-paced yet filled with laughter and encouragement. Gabe found himself immersed in the joy of the sport, his previous apprehensions forgotten among the fun and cheers.
“You’ve got quite the swing, Gabe!” his grandma praised, her eyes beaming with pride.
As they took a break, sitting together on the sidelines, Gabe’s grandma shared funny stories of her own athletic adventures, making Gabe realize playing sports could be fun.
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“I never knew you liked playing sports so much, Grandma,” Gabe said, his admiration growing with every story.
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me, kiddo. Life’s full of surprises, just like today,” she winked, squeezing his hand.
As the day came to an end, Gabe realized he had not only discovered a new passion but also felt much closer to his grandma. Their shared laughter and playful competitive spirit had bridged generations, making Gabe feel like they now had something in common.
“Today was amazing, Grandma. I can’t wait to play again,” Gabe said, his heart full of joy.
“And we’ll be right here waiting for you, champ. You’re part of our Pickleball family now,” Mrs. Harnack added, her group nodding in agreement.
As Gabe walked home with his grandma, his heart was full. He realized he wasn’t bad at sports, he had simply never found an activity that he really loved.
They neared his house and Gabe glanced up at his grandma, a smile playing on his lips. “You know, Grandma, I think I’ll survive gym class now. It’s not so bad when I have Pickleball to look forward to.”
His grandma squeezed his hand gently, her eyes twinkling with pride. “That’s the spirit, Gabe. Finding something you love makes all the difference. And who knows? Maybe you’ll teach that gym class a thing or two about Pickleball someday.”
“You know what?” Gabe said thoughtfully, “That’s not such a bad idea, Grandma. Maybe that’s exactly what they need, too.”
Written by Kitty Norton. © 2024 Jack and Kitty Norton. Reprinted by permission of Jack and Kitty Media Group. In order to protect the rights of the copyright holder, no portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent. All rights reserved.
