Slippery love

Chapter 7

"Aiden, you can't keep going like this," Mark said one evening after practice, pulling Aiden aside in the locker room. "I know you're hurting, but shutting everyone out isn't the answer."

Aiden sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, Mark. It's just... I don't know how to deal with this. She was everything to me, and now she's gone."

Mark placed a reassuring hand on Aiden's shoulder. "I get it, man. But you need to find a balance. You're a great player, but you can't let this consume you. We're here for you."

Aiden nodded, appreciating his friend's concern. "Thanks, Mark. I'll try. It's just going to take some time."

As the season progressed, Aiden's hard work paid off. He became a key player for his team, his skills and determination earning him recognition and respect. He started to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment, though it was always tinged with the lingering pain of his breakup with Katie.

One evening, after a particularly gruelling game, Aiden sat alone in his apartment, nursing a beer and reflecting on his journey. The apartment felt too quiet, too empty without Katie's presence. He glanced at his phone, tempted to reach out, but he resisted. Instead, he pulled out a journal, something he had started using to process his thoughts and emotions.

He wrote about the game, about his struggles and triumphs, and about Katie. Writing became a form of therapy for him, a way to express what he couldn't say out loud. It helped him to understand his feelings better, to come to terms with the changes in his life.

One day, after a particularly intense practice, Aiden received a call from his coach. "Aiden, can you come to my office? There's something I need to discuss with you."

Aiden's heart raced as he made his way to the coach's office, unsure of what to expect. When he arrived, the coach greeted him with a smile. "Aiden, I wanted to let you know that your hard work hasn't gone unnoticed. The team management has decided to offer you a contract extension. You've become an invaluable part of this team, and we want to secure your future with us."

Aiden felt a rush of emotions—pride, relief, and a bittersweet happiness. "Thank you, coach. I appreciate it."

As he left the office, contract in hand, Aiden realised that this was a turning point. Despite the pain and the heartache, he had found a way to thrive. He knew he still had a long road ahead, both in his career and in his personal life, but he was ready to face it with the same determination that had brought him this far.

As the season progressed, Aiden's dedication to his hockey career became both a sanctuary and a crucible. The routine of training and playing allowed him brief respite from the ache in his heart, but it also served as a constant reminder of the void left by Katie's absence. Each game was a battleground where he fought not just for victory on the ice, but to regain a sense of purpose and stability in his life.

One particularly pivotal game loomed on the horizon—a crucial match that could determine their team's playoff prospects. Aiden approached it with a focused determination, knowing that a standout performance could solidify his place in the team and provide a temporary reprieve from his personal turmoil.

The game began with an electric atmosphere, fans roaring as the players took to the ice. Aiden felt a surge of adrenaline as he skated onto the rink, his mind momentarily freed from the weight of his emotions. The first period passed in a blur of fast-paced action, with Aiden making key passes and defensive plays that kept their opponents at bay.

As the second period commenced, Aiden's resolve was tested in a way he hadn't anticipated. In a scramble for the puck along the boards, he collide heavily with an opposing player. The impact sent shockwaves of pain through his body, but Aiden pushed through, refusing to let his team down. He shook off the initial discomfort, skating back into position with gritted teeth and a determined glare.

Minutes later, the game took a sudden turn. Racing to intercept a breakaway, Aiden found himself in a high-speed collision. The opposing player's stick caught him squarely across the shin, the impact reverberating up his leg with searing pain. He stumbled, his balance faltering as he struggled to regain control.

The referee blew the whistle, signalling a stoppage in play as trainers rushed onto the ice to assess Aiden's injury. He gritted his teeth against the pain, his mind swimming with a mixture of frustration and concern. The arena fell silent as he was helped off the ice, leaning heavily on the trainers for support.

In the locker room, Aiden winced as the team doctor examined his leg. "It's a deep bruise, possibly a fracture," the doctor explained, his tone serious. "We'll need to get X-rays to confirm, but you won't be able to return to the game tonight."

Aiden's heart sank. This game had meant everything to him—a chance to prove himself, to channel his emotions into something tangible. Now, that opportunity hung in the balance, overshadowed by the uncertainty of his injury.

As he waited for the X-ray results, Aiden's thoughts drifted back to Katie. He wondered if she knew about the game, if she would have been watching him play. The ache in his heart intensified, a reminder of how much he missed her presence in his life.

When the X-ray results came back, the team doctor delivered the verdict. "It's a hairline fracture," he said, his expression grave. "You'll need to sit out for at least a few weeks to allow it to heal properly."