THE WALK OVER

By Roger Esty

"Watch it Adam",I said to my grandson.
I was lucky to find a parking spot in front of a liquor store two blocks from the ball park. Saved me 20 dollars not to park in the lot.
"Just walk over him. He's sleeping," I said to Adam.
I could see Adam staring at the still figure on the sidewalk.
"Go ahead Adam."
Adam proceeded to walk over the guy on the sidewalk.
"What happened abuelito?"
"Probably had too much to drink. There's a lot of policemen around here because of the game. They'll haul him away."

The new ball park was built by the water. The neighborhood had seen better days. It was part of the redevelopment project. In the downtown sector they called it the Gas Lamp District. Funny. That area was older before they started to renovate. All the posh joints now didn't have a history of more than ten years. The problem is the homeless were still around. Especially around the new ball park. It seems to be the trend. Build the new park in the downtown area. Try to rejuvenate. It's a thin mask.

Me and the grandson stayed for about seven innings. My sisters had comped me the tickets. 40 a piece it would have cost. The parking would have dinged me for another 20. Adam got some nachos and a coke. 11 bucks. Coffee for me was another 3.

Yeah,the stadium is beautifull. Fancy scoreboard,special boxes for the big wigs. Waterfalls and fireworks. I've been away from the game. I only recognized a few names on the roster. We stayed for seven innings. The Padres came back to pull ahead by a run. We started our exit.

As we walked back to the car,I could see the lights of the liquor store still on.
"Abuelito. Do you think that man is still sleeping on the side walk?"
"No Adam. If he's sleeping,it's not on the side walk."
I wanted to put Adam at ease.
As we approaced the car,I could see Adam straining his eyes. The man wasn't there.

"Abuelito,what will happen to that man?"
"Nothing much Adam. He'll probably be back here tomorrow night."
As I drove back on the freeway,we listened to the game on the radio. The Diamond Backs had hit a grand slam to take the lead.
"Did you have fun tonight Adam."
"Yes"
"Do you want to go again?"
"Yes,but next time we should park the car in the parking lot."