Touch My Neck ✓

Chapter Nine | What did the coach tell the new hockey player?

Angel Huxley Novak

I slip my gloves off and give David different types of exercises he could use to strengthen his calves, he thanks me and slides of the examination bed. "Alright just do those for the week, and watch your skating game hit the roof-but you got the okay from me to play in the tournament."

David nods, his face lighting up with gratitude. "Thank you, Doc. I really appreciate it. I'll make sure to do those exercises religiously."

"I have no doubt you'll do great," I reply with a smile, feeling a sense of satisfaction in helping one of the players get back to peak performance. "Remember to listen to your body and take it easy if you feel any discomfort."

He nods again, and I notice the rest of the team starting to gather near the rink for their practice session. I glance at my watch, realizing that I need to wrap up soon.

"Well, good luck out there. I'll be watching your progress closely," I say, giving him a friendly pat on the back.

"Thanks, Doc," David says as he exits the office, and I head to my desk, taking a seat. I tick off his name on the list of players I've seen today before my eyes land on the one person I haven't seen yet.

Eros.

I thought we were making progress. He opened up to me about his strain, but other than that... I haven't seen him around. Just as I'm about to get up and head to the ice rink to find him, my door opens, and Christina walks inside with a packet of papers.

"Hey, Angel, here's the flight ticket booked for tonight."

"I didn't know we were traveling?" I reply, a little surprised.

"Oh, you weren't meant to come, but Doctor Moore isn't able to, so now you have to," Christina explains with a grin.

I let out a sigh, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. "Where are we going?"

"Los Angeles," she says. "The first conference before the game next week." I nod my head and take the papers.

"Conference?"

"We have a sports medicine conference there, and since Doctor Moore can't make it, you're representing our team."

"A sports medicine conference? In Los Angeles?" I ask, slightly surprised by the opportunity.

I feel a mix of excitement and anxiety building up inside me. Representing the team at a prestigious conference is an honor, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. I know I need to be well-prepared and make a good impression on my colleagues from other teams and organizations.

"Okay, I'll pack tonight. The flight's at eleven pm, right?" I confirm, mentally making a list of things I need to take with me.

Christina nods with a smile. "That's right. We'll be flying together with the team. It'll be a good opportunity to get to know everyone better."

I take the papers from her, scanning through the details of the flight and the conference schedule. "Sounds like a great experience. I'll make sure to be ready."

"I have no doubt you'll do great," Christina says, offering me a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Just be yourself, and you'll impress everyone there."

As Christina leaves to catch up with the social media manager, Natalia, I take a moment to gather my thoughts. This unexpected trip has thrown me off balance, but I know it's an opportunity I can't afford to miss. I quickly make a mental checklist of things to do before the flight, including finishing up some paperwork, gathering research materials, and preparing a presentation.