Breaking the Ice - Inside Out

Rollercoaster

After about a week in the hospital, Riley was finally about to be released. Her time there had been a whirlwind of pain, recovery, and emotional upheaval. The first few days post-surgery were a blur of painkillers and physical therapy sessions, each one more grueling than the last. Despite the challenges, Riley pushed through, determined to regain her strength and mobility.

The visits from her teammates and friends had been a lifeline. A couple of the Firehawks had come by, bringing with them a flood of stories from the ice rink and get-well-soon cards from the rest of the team. They shared laughs and encouragement, reminding Riley of the camaraderie she missed so dearly. Their presence was a comforting reminder that she was still part of the team, even if she couldn't be on the ice with them.

Bree and Grace, her closest friends, were constant fixtures at her bedside. They brought her favorite snacks, funny movies, and endless chatter to distract her from the pain and frustration. Grace often joked to lighten the mood, saying things like, "Jeez, Riley—I can't believe that foul caused... well, this," pointing to Riley's heavily casted leg. Despite the laughter, they were a crucial part of Riley's support system, helping her navigate the emotional rollercoaster she was on.

Physically, Riley's progress was slow but steady. The physical therapists worked with her multiple times a day, guiding her through exercises that were designed to strengthen her knee and improve her range of motion. Each session left her exhausted and sore, but she could feel herself getting a little stronger every day. The sight of her leg in a cast and the thought of the long road ahead were daunting, but Riley was determined not to let her injury define her.

Emotionally, the journey was even tougher. The reality of her situation hit her in waves, often leaving her feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. There were moments of doubt and fear, times when she wondered if she'd ever be able to play hockey again. But her friends and family were always there to lift her spirits, reminding her of her resilience and strength.

Throughout her stay, Riley had a lot of time to think. She reflected on her passion for hockey, her relationships, and her future. The support she received from her teammates and friends gave her hope and the motivation to keep pushing forward. As she prepared to leave the hospital, Riley knew that the real challenge was just beginning, but she felt ready to face it head-on with the love and support of those around her.

-

During one of Bree and Grace's visits, Riley decided to open up about something that had been weighing heavily on her mind. The girls were sitting around her hospital bed, chatting and trying to keep the mood light.

"Jeez, Riley—I can't believe that foul caused... well, this," Grace said, pointing to Riley's heavily casted leg.

"Yeah, I know," Riley responded with a chuckle, but her expression soon turned to a frown.

"What's wrong?" Bree asked, noticing the change in her friend's demeanor. "Do you need to rest?"

Riley looked up at them, taking a deep breath. "It's not just the injury," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "It's... everything. I don't understand what's going on, but Val... she makes me feel things."

Bree and Grace exchanged a concerned glance. "What do you mean?" Bree asked gently.

Riley hesitated, her eyes welling up with tears. "I don't even know how to explain it. She makes me feel things, things I don't fully understand. When I'm with her, it's like everything else fades away, and all that matters is being close to her."

Grace's eyes widened slightly. "Do you mean like... more than just friends?"

Riley nodded, tears now streaming down her cheeks. "Yeah. It's confusing because I don't even know if she feels the same way. And then there's Alex... I can't stand seeing her with him. It hurts so much."