Unconditionally

Pressure

Arnold's POV

The air in the locker room was thick with anticipation and nerves. As the captain of my hockey team, the pressure weighed heavily on my shoulders. Today was the first game of the tournament, and with the expectations from my family and my coach, I felt like I was skating on thin ice.

"Come on, Arnold! Don't let the pressure get to you!" Jordan shouted, trying to lighten the mood. Enzo chimed in, "Yeah, just remember to smile! That's the secret to winning!"

I couldn't help but chuckle, but the truth was that their teasing only partially eased the tension. Coach Mitchell's voice echoed in my mind, reminding me of all the times he had criticized my decisions on the ice. "You need to be a better captain, Arnold! Lead your team!" he had barked just yesterday, and I felt the weight of those words.

As I paced the locker room, I thought about Stella. She had her own struggles—her upcoming dance audition. I admired her determination, how she pushed herself to pursue her dreams. I wished I could channel some of that energy into my game.

Glancing around, I saw my teammates gearing up, their chatter filling the space. "Alright, listen up, everyone," I said, trying to project confidence I didn't entirely feel. "We've trained hard for this. Let's go out there and play our game. Remember, it's about having fun too."

The guys nodded, their expressions shifting from nervousness to excitement. It was a reminder that I wasn't alone in this; we were a team. I just needed to lead them as best as I could.

As we hit the ice, the adrenaline kicked in, and I tried to focus on the game ahead. I skated with purpose, feeling the cool breeze against my skin. I had trained for this moment, and I needed to trust myself and my abilities.

Every time I glanced at the stands, I searched for a familiar face, hoping to catch a glimpse of Stella. I wanted her to see me succeed, to know that I was more than just a player on the ice—I was a captain, and I could handle the pressure.

With the game in full swing, I reminded myself of what she had said: "You have to play for you." That was the mantra I needed to hold on to.

As the final buzzer echoed through the rink, I skated off with my team, the thrill of victory surging through me. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I knew I had the strength to face them, both on and off the ice. And maybe, just maybe, I would find a way to support Stella as she chased her own dreams.