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“Every hockey game I saw in high school ended up in a fight,” I say. “But I’m terrified of his risk for a TBI.”
“Brain injury? Would it help you to know safety gear and ground rules have come a long way since then? Kids are safer than ever. And the coaches are much more responsive. Ryan’s more likely to get concussed riding his bike to the park than playing on the ice.”
“I’m not so sure aboutthat,” I reply. I’d need to spend an afternoon poring over the peer reviewed journal directory to make the final call on his assertion. But I understand the spirit of what he’s saying.
“I’m not trying to step on your toes or anything. I can just see the passion in Ryan’s eyes. You can teach a kid to ice skate and hit a puck, but you can’t teach them to love the game. I’d hate to see that go to waste.”
I sigh. That’s a point I can get behind, even reluctantly. He’s right. As much as I want to keep Ryan safe, I want him to be happy, too. And he’s made it very clear what’s going to make him happiest is hockey.
“I guess… I still think hockey is really unsafe. But if there’s two professionals watching out for him…”Even if one of them is a sloppy eater in a sling.“And Verog seems to vouch for you. So, I guess…”
“Aunt Melody, look what Ryan got me!” Tina yells, running towards me with a stuffed bunny. “I’ve never seenanyonewin it before!”
If only competitive claw machine playing was a thing. Ryan walks back over to us, mouth pulled in a thin line and eyes darting between me and Jaromir.
“What’s the verdict?” he asks. He looks so hopeful.
I nod my head. “Alright. You can join the hockey team.”
Ryan’s eyes go wide, a new light sparking in him. “Really? You mean it?”
“Yes, Ryan. I mean it.”
“You reallyreallymean it? You can’t take it back if you change your mind!”
“Yes, I mean it!”
“You’ll sign the permission slip when we get home?”
I sigh and nod my head again.
“Yes! Thanks, Jaromir! You’re the coolest guy in the whole world!” Ryan yells.
“What about Coach Hill? It was his great idea,” Jaromir says, and Verog frowns at him.
“Thanks, Coach!” Ryan says, high-fiving his equally elated sister.
“We’re going to have a lot of fun. Safe and fun. It’ll be great,” Verog chokes out.
Jaromir holds out a fist and lets Ryan bump it with his own. Then, Ryan runs out of the restaurant.
“Your cooperation is appreciated,” Tina says, holding the bunny close.
“I should probably pay my bill and let you go. Thank you for the conversation, Mr. Fletcher,” I say while fishing out my credit card.
“Please, just Jaromir.”
“Jaromir. I’m counting on you to keep my nephew safe,” I state firmly.
He gives me a smile that could be the definition of knee buckling. Good thing I have the table to lean on. “He’s in good hands,” he says, and I nod. Mainly because I don’t want to say anything nonsensical, which at the moment, I can’t promise.
* * *
I sitby that evening at home and let Ryan have some time online to tell his friends the good news while I unlock my cellphone. I’m interested in learning more about this Jaromir guy, since he’ll be spending a lot of time with my nephew.
But instead of finding relationship gossip or feel-good stories of volunteer work, I find headlines that make my blood freeze.
Celebrity Hockey Player Crashes Commandeered Jet Ski in Bachelor Party Joyride.
