Page 192 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

A tear slips quietly down my cheek. "I don't want him rearranging his life because of me."

"Oh, Annette."

"He finally stopped carrying everyone. I can't become another person asking him to."

My mother is silent for a very long time. When she finally speaks, every word is gentle.

"Sweetheart..."

"...sometimes life gives us two good choices."

I wait.

"And that's what makes them so painful."

"I don't want to lose him."

"I know."

"I don't want to lose this opportunity either."

"I know."

Another pause.

"You don't have to decide tonight, Annette."

"No."

"But you do have to let him know."

I close my eyes.

"I know."

Later that evening, I’m bundled up on my sofa, across from a black TV screen.

Somewhere across town Jamie's probably wondering what tomorrow's therapy session will bring. He has no idea my entire world changed before lunch.

I close my eyes.

For months I'd believed my greatest challenge would be helping Jamie recover.

Instead, the hardest part arrived after his shoulder no longer needed me.

A tiny laugh escapes before I can stop it. "That's rather unfair." The TV offers no opinion.

I slip my hands into my fuzzy robe pockets

When I speak again, my voice is almost inaudible. "I love you."

The words disappear into the evening.

No audience.

No applause.

Just truth.