People were cheering and welcoming each person who stepped from the bus.Some of them had family waiting, and those were the best reunions, but everyone was greeted like returning heroes.We waited and waited.Marko was one of the last guys off the bus, and my father was getting worried.
Viktor glances my way, reassuring me that he never had a doubt.
I can’t even describe the moment we saw him.Honestly, I didn’t even recognize him—he’d lost so much weight and his hair was shaved off.But Dad knew him right away.He ran over and grabbed him.Then I followed.When I finally saw Marko there in front of me and got to hug him…it was the best, best time.
Viktor pauses, his eyes tender and glistening.I’m so proud of him for being vulnerable in front his teammates.
Marko was stunned to see us.He said later that he kept worrying that it was a dream and he was going to wake up in his cell.Viktor sighs and continues,We took him to the doctor there.He’d lost about ten kilos, and he had an infection in his foot and an intestinal issue, but he was cleared to come home to Edmonton.The way that my mom has been cooking, he’ll gain that weight back in no time.
Everyone laughs.I’m sure he’s sanitizing things a little.Russian prison conditions are notoriously bad, but if Marko can recover mentally, then his physical health will follow.
What was it like there in general?Connor asks.
Pretty shitty.There’s been so much bombing.And constant power outages during one of their harshest winters.Ukraine looked much worse than last time I was there.
Viktor sounds emotionally exhausted now.
Mats speaks from the opposite side of the room,The team wanted to do something to support you and your brother, so we set up a donation site.It’s called the Zelenko Brothers Fund, and you can use the money however you want.If Marko needs special medical care, or for travel back to Ukraine, anything.
Viktor blinks in complete astonishment.Guys, that’s…you didn’t have to.Fuck, thank you.He wipes at his face.Is my big tough hockey player crying?My eyes well up too.
There’s already over $5,000 in it, and we haven’t even promoted it much,Bergy brags.And $800 of that came from the Crafty Club.
Amazing, amazing.I’ll consult with my brother first.
I’ve never seen Viktor like this, almost inarticulate with emotion.He rises and goes around the room, hugging and thanking all his teammates.There’s some discussion about the weekend’s games, and then everyone disperses.
I don’t have to stay,I say once we’re alone in his room.You probably just want to sleep.
He stares at me hungrily.My teammates are great, but you’re the person I most wanted to see.You know what I’d really like?
I shake my head, knowing I’ll do whatever he wants.Annie suggested that I make Viktor suffer a little for everything that he put me through, but why would I?He’s already been through hell, and all I want to do is support him.
I’d like you to sleep with me.He caresses my cheek, and I lean into him.Just sleep.I haven’t had a full night’s sleep since I left.I’d like to wake up and see your beautiful face beside me.That will bring me peace.
I wrap my arms around his waist.There’s nothing I’d like more.I missed you so much.
He goes off to take a quick shower.I undress and slip on the Property of Mustangs Hockey T-shirt that I’ve claimed as my own.Viktor’s bed smells like him, and I bury my face into his pillow and inhale.
Viktor comes back with only a towel wrapped around his waist.His naked upper body still has a few drops of moisture on it and I want to lick them off, but I restrain myself.
He slips into bed naked.We lie facing each other, and I can’t stop smiling.
What’s this?Viktor pulls at the T-shirt.
You said just sleep, I didn’t want to distract you.
Very disappointing.But you’re probably right.He snakes an arm under me and pulls me closer.I curl myself into his body.
Viktor seems halfway to unconsciousness, but I still hear him murmur,I love you, little Evie.
I love you too,I say, and close my eyes.He’s safe next to me, and that makes my whole world right.
I wake in the middle of the night.Even in the darkness, I can tell that he is watching me.
Are you okay?I whisper.
Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.
