"What do you mean!? You've gone into remission? But it was stage 4 cancer…" Chris seemingly sobered up in an instant, however he was having trouble understanding his father's words.
Mark simply smiled and shook his head.
"I mean the cancer is completely gone…"
Out of everyone at the table, only Ken didn't seem shocked. Though he quickly put on an act after realizing how weird it would look to the others.
He quickly translated to Miho and Daichi since they didn't know English, bringing with it another couple of gasps. Of course they were more confused since they never knew Mark had cancer in the first place.
Yuki covered her mouth as tears began to fall down her cheeks whereas Chris was far too shocked to react.
"It's a miracle." Ken said before getting out of the chair and hugging his Grandfather.
His actions seemed to knock everyone out of their shock as they quickly followed suit. Chris and Mark's hug went on for much longer than any others, showing just how happy he was.
With the big news out of the way, the mood turned celebratory.
Chris felt as if he was riding on the clouds after winning both the World Cup and the news of his father's recovery.
The group ordered food and chatted throughout the morning, speaking of anything and everything in each others lives.
"So, what are your plans for the future boys?" Mark asked, his gaze turning to Ken and Daichi.
"What do you mean?" Ken asked before taking a bite of a hash brown.
Mark smiled, "Well… Your father played his high school years in America before heading back to Japan for college. If you want, I can pull some strings…"
Yet before he could finish, Yuki stood up from the table with her face flushed red.
"Absolutely not!"
Her words were loud, causing the others at the cafe to turn their attention to her.
Mark grinned, before waving his hand dismissively, "I'm joking! Don't worry."
Seeing how he'd got a rise out of Yuki, he chuckled in satisfaction. Her reaction reminded him of his own wife when it came to discussing Chris's matters. His expression softened a little as he thought about her.
Yet there was one person who seemed swayed by Mark's words.
"I'd like to finish High School in Japan… But maybe College isn't out of the equation." Ken said softly, as if testing the waters.
He instantly received a burning glare from his mother, causing him to shrink his head down in response.
"Hahaha!" Mark laughed out loud, finding the interaction to be hilarious.
Chris on the other hand seemed rather thoughtful. There was no way that he could deny the talent of both his sons, especially since watching them so closely during the World Cup.
Yuki seemed to have sensed the shift in Chris's mood and subconsciously held onto his arm. It was clear that she was reluctant at the prospect of her sons going overseas.
Ken looked at his father expectantly, though he wasn't expecting an answer so soon.
'The prospects for a professional career in the Majors are far higher in American Colleges…' Chris thought deeply to himself.
The only problem with American Colleges, was that they cost an arm and a leg for tuition. They were not rich, nor would Chris accept help from his father on this matter, which meant there was only one other solution.
"You're still only in your first year of High School… But, if you wanted to go to an American College, you have to secure a scholarship." He said, looking at both Ken and Daichi.
Ken's face lit up with surprise, a stark contrast to the confused expression on Daichi's face.
Daichi had never thought about college before, especially one in America. This was too sudden for him to comprehend at this moment.
Santiago looked at Ken and Daichi with excitement on his face. He would want nothing more than to see his two new relatives more often, this would only be possible if they came over to America.
Mark too held a look of expectation on his face.
"Just keep playing like you are and I believe you'll easily get a scholarship over here." He added with a smile.
Everyone seemed to be ignoring Yuki who was pouting at the corner of the table with all this talk of her kids leaving the nest. It was clear that she'd be having a long talk with Chris when they were finally alone.
At this new prospect, Ken suddenly felt like he knew the way forward.
While he could go through the Japanese professional route, it would be much harder to be picked up by a Major League club. He would either have to play in Japan for 9 years, or be good enough for one of the US clubs to be willing to pay the posting fee.
For Ken who wanted to play baseball at the highest level, being picked up by a Major League club was his dream.
Ken kept all this new information close to his heart. All of it would be useless if he didn't improve his game and continue to get better during the remaining 2 and a half years of High School he had left.
Yuki's expression improved after the subject changed, bringing with it a harmonious atmosphere. Santiago chatted happily with Ken while his Grandfather yapped away like a man who was half his age.
Like all good things, they had to come to an end. They'd been chatting for well over 2 hours which meant the time to leave was nearing.
"I had a lot of fun coaching against you Chris. Let's do it again in 2 years time." Mark said with a grin.
At the mention of 2 years, Chris's face morphed a little. Since he had almost lost his father, he didn't want their visits to be so infrequent.
"Ah, don't give me that sad look. I'll come visit in a few months time for Christmas." He said slyly.
This of course made everyone at the table happy.