Page 246 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

As I turn back toward my own therapy station, I catch Mrs. Alvarez watching us.

Her eyes glisten. She doesn't say anything. She simply smiles.

For just a moment...

I could swear she's looking at me the same way she used to look at Annette.

Only later do I realize why.

Without meaning to...

I'd become the encouragement Annette had been for everyone around her.

***

Six weeks later...

At the arena, my trainer Mark clears me to begin light skating.

The first lap feels awkward. Not because of my shoulder. Because she's not standing at the boards pretending she isn't timing every stride.

I circle the rink once. Twice. By the third lap, habit takes over.

I glance toward the glass.

For one ridiculous second...

I expect to find Annette leaning against the boards with her clipboard tucked beneath one arm.

Instead, there's only empty glass reflecting the ice back at me.

I finish the session anyway.

Not because I want to.

Because she'd expect me to.

The next day my trainer, Mark, watches me finish another light-contact practice.

"How's the shoulder?"

"Good."

"The ribs?"

"Good."

He scribbles another note on his clipboard.

"Looks like you're almost ready."

Almost.

It's strange.

For months...

Getting back on the ice was all I wanted.