Page 112 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

"Straight-A student."

"Captain."

"Full scholarship waiting."

"The surgery was successful. The doctors were optimistic. Everyone expected him to recover."

I already know there isn't going to be a happy ending. "What happened?"

"He couldn't afford consistent rehabilitation."

The words land quietly.

"He lived almost an hour away."

"His parents worked two jobs."

"Insurance covered the surgery..." She looks down briefly. "...but not enough therapy."

I feel my chest tighten.

"He tried doing the exercises himself."

"He watched videos."

"Read handouts."

"Worked harder than anyone."

She shakes her head. "But hard work isn't the same as guided recovery."

I know that now, better than I ever wanted to.

"He lost the scholarship." She says it simply. No drama. No embellishment.

Somehow...that makes it hurt more.

"He told me something before he left."

She smiles faintly. "'Everyone says they saved my knee.'"

Another pause. "'Nobody knows how to help me get my life back.'"

The hallway feels strangely still.

People walk past us. Phones ring somewhere nearby. None of it reaches me.

I look at Annette. "And..." I say quietly, "...you decided to become the person who helps people get their lives back."

She blinks. Her eyes search mine.

Annette lets out a slow breath. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For believing that."

I smile. "It wasn't difficult." She shakes her head gently. "You'd be surprised."