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When a devastating injury threatens the career of Terence Tiles, the superstar goalie for the Seattle Kraken, the foundation of the life he meticulously built over eight years crumbles. Overwhelmed, he retreats from...
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It's the day of the last home game of the season—the final showdown of the Stanley Cup playoffs. This game will determine who takes home the coveted cup. The cup has made its way to our arena, but it's not going anywhere else. We've trained hard for this, enduring three grueling weeks of preparation to get back into peak condition. Coach Mike has orchestrated a surprise for tonight: my return to the ice. The atmosphere is electric, with teammates and fans alike buzzing with anticipation. Some might say they're almost too excited to have me back. The stakes have never been higher, and tonight, we leave everything on the ice.
We've been practicing since the early hours, starting around 4:30 AM. Coach Mike has been relentless, pushing me to my limits without a moment's respite. It's been incredible to be back on the ice with the guys, all of us united by one goal: to bring home the cup. The rink has been alive with determination and camaraderie, each player giving everything they've got. With the NHL Awards set to take place in a month, Coach's advice has been crystal clear: give my all in this first game back, which also happens to be my last game of the season. This is our moment, and we’re ready to seize it.
Aaron, our team captain and my Cap, walks me through every game of the season, focusing especially on our current opponent, Chicago. It's impressive how they've transformed since last year when they didn't even make the playoffs. They’ve clearly worked hard, and watching their game footage, you can see their determination to win. They’re not going to settle for anything less than victory.
That's going to be a problem for them because we also aren't going to settle for anything less. As I sit in the locker room, changing gear and taking a much-needed shower, Coach Mike appears once again, as he has been doing all day. His relentless presence underscores the gravity of the game and our shared resolve to seize the cup. He seems restless and happy at the same time. It's a sight. He was also nominated for an award in the NHL. It's a great year for us both.
“You're being summoned by the GM, and Miss Martins too.” He says. I nod in response and I make my way to the GM's office.
As I enter, Ivy already sits opposite the GM at his table and the atmosphere doesn't seem happy, in any way.
“Tiles,” our GM, and Nadia's father, calls out, beckoning me to sit next to Ivy. My heart ignites at the sight of her. She’s been different lately, more withdrawn, and there are so many things I want to say to her. I know I've been immersed in practice, but she's also been a constant presence—my trainer and a mini coach—so I've never really been away from her. We've always shared the same space, whether we're together or not.
But what if she doesn't feel the same? What if I'm alone in this?
The questions gnaw at me, creating a knot of anxiety in my stomach. The thought of her indifference is a sharp contrast to the exhilaration of game day, casting a shadow over my focus. As I sit next to her, the familiar scent of her perfume mixed with the clean, crisp smell of the rink fills my senses, grounding me yet making me feel more vulnerable. I glance at her, but her eyes are distant, lost in thought. The anticipation of the game blends with the uncertainty of her feelings, creating a whirlwind of emotions I can barely contain.
