BITTERSWEET

3rd Place

Shawn cried the day the Red Sox finally won the World Series. His tears were for his father and grandfather who missed that glorious moment. They prayed for it every Opening Day at Fenway Park. They would don their jerseys, tally their scorecards and say, «This is the year!» They cursed the Bambino and agreed Williams was the all-time best. They suffered through the highs and lows together for generations, as all Sox fans have. This moment was bittersweet. As Big Papi raised the trophy, Shawn raised his glass, looked heavenward and took a long drink.

Jill Hilliard, 45 Years old,
South Boston.

Ilustration: Madison Marzano.