The Yankees Game (1995): Age 5

Under the scoring midsummer sun in New York, families flocked to Yankee Stadium. The smell of the concession stand and the sound of vendors hawking hot dogs and peanuts filled the air. In the stands, the Rizzo family was among the crowd making their way to their seats. Their son Elio was about to see his first baseball game. Elio has a mop of curly black hair and round glasses. He bounced with excitement, holding his father’s hand, his big hazel eyes taking it all in. His little sister Gia rode in the stroller, looking around. 

“Are you excited, Elio?” Mom asked.

Elio nodded, his glasses slipped down his nose. "Yes, Mama, it's so big!”

Dad found their seats and helped Elio into it. Then, he settled in with Gia on his lap. Mom sat next to Elio. The crowd hummed with steady excitement.A couple with a boy Elio’s age sat next to them. The boy had a mop of dark blonde hair and a friendly grin. He examined Elio's face, then spoke.

“Hi, I’m Maximus, but you can call me Max," he said, extending a small hand.

Elio’s eyes widened at the unusual name. “Maximus? That’s like a superhero name!”

"Do you like superheroes?"

Elio nodded vigorously. “I love superheroes! I’m Elio, and this is Gia.”

Max’s parents, Linda and David, smiled warmly at the interaction. “It’s nice to meet you, Elio,” Linda said. “This is Max’s first game.”

“We thought it would be fun, and the weather is cooperating," David added.

“It’s Elio’s first game too. Hopefully, they’ll enjoy it.” Dad said with a smile, bouncing Gia on his knee, making her giggle.

“Do you like baseball, Elio?" Max asked.

“I think so," Elio replied shyly. “I haven’t seen a game yet.”

Max’s eyes lit up. “It’s really fun! My dad says it’s America’s favorite pastime.”

“Do you have a favorite team?”

“Yeah, the Yankees! They’re the best.” Max spoke with excitement, his hand gesturing in the air.

Elio looks at his dad, who gives a reassuring nod. "We're here to see the Yankees too," Elio said.

As the game began, the roar and singing of the crowd swelled. Elio gazed at Max, who erupted in cheers and rose to glimpse.

“Look, Elio, they’re about to pitch!” Max exclaimed, pointing to the field.

Elio’s eyes followed Max’s finger, watching as the pitcher wound up and threw up the ball. The crack of the bat hitting the ball echoed, and the crowd erupted into cheers. Elio found himself clapping along. As the game went on, Max explained things to Elio. He pointed out players and shared facts his dad told him. Elio listened intensely, his initial shyness fading as he got caught up in the thrill of the game. During a lull, Mom handed Elio a hot dog, and he munched on it happily. Gia, now sitting on Mom’s lap, clapped her hands at the noise and people around her.

Elio exclaimed, "This is fun!" Max nodded enthusiastically.

“Maybe we can be friends?” Max asked.

Elio smiled, “I’d like that.”

First day of Kindergarten (1995):Age 5

The sun rose steadily over the streets of Brooklyn. It cast a warm glow over busy neighborhoods. Parents and children made their way to the schools. Max stood out among them, wearing his favorite dinosaur shirt and new sneakers. He clutched his mom’s hand and tightened his grip on his lunch box as they approached the elementary school.

“Are you excited for your first day of kindergarten, Max?” Mom asked.

Max nodded, looking around. “Yeah, I guess so,Mom.” 

They entered the school and made their way to the colorful classroom. Max’s eyes darted nervously around, taking in the new faces and the decorations in the hallway. But, when they got to the classroom, Max looked around. He spotted a familiar figure: a curly-haired boy. The boy was playing with colorful blocks in the corner. 

Elio Rizzo.

A smile spread across Max’s face as he tugged on his mom’s hand. "Mom, look! It’s Elio!” 

Mom followed where Max was pointing. “Well, why don’t you go say hi, Max?” 

Max let go of his Mom’s hand and made his way over to where Elio was playing with blocks.

“Hey, Elio, can I play too?”

Elio looked up, his face breaking into a grin. “Hey, Max! Of course you can play with me!” 

As Max settled in beside him, the two boys fell into easy conversation as Max’s mom waved goodbye. Max waved back but kept building a tower while Elio built a castle. They laughed and chatted in their own little world. Throughout the day, Elio and Max stuck together like glue. They explored and played as only kindergartners can. The final bell signaled the end of the first day of school. They walked out of school together with their backpacks bouncing. They went to their parents. Then, they walked in opposite directions towards their homes. They looked back at each other.