Reflection (Artemi Panarin)

Locker Room

-Artemis POV-

Today was the day. First pre-season game and I would be lying if I said I wasn't a tad bit scared. I had a lot to loose. The Blackhawks lost a bunch of good guys last season and I have big shoes to fill.
As I made my way to the locker room I noticed the guys were filling the halls instead. Most looked just as confused as myself.

"What's going on" I ask nobody specifically.

"No one knows. The doors locked and it has a keep out sign on it" Hammer explains.

Ten minutes later to door swings open and a happy Taylor comes out, she carefully takes the "do not enter" sign down, then walks away. It falls silent as she skips to her office. Finally someone opens the door and a faint "holy shit" sounds.

I make it to the locker room to see that every locker has a drawing, a letter, a personalized Gatorade bottle, and a personalized cookie that looked like our jerseys in them. Each was hung up neatly and organized beautifully. Everyone goes to their locker and admires the drawings and letters. Some already had half the cookie gone while others were taking pictures of all the stuff. I sit in my stall to find a drawing of a beautiful rose. It was so detailed it looked like a picture. Under it was a note that read,

"Dear Artemi,
Thanks for taking this journey with me. I know you're scared about the uncertain future, I am too. But remember, it's you and me kid. Keep your head up. He who says he can and he who says he can't are both usually right. I want you to be the first guy. Kick ass tonight. You know where to find me if you have any problems. I'm here for you.
Love, Taylor"

I smiled and put the paper back in my stall. I couldn't imagine how much time this took. Everything was so amazing, each drawing turned out great and the letters were special to each player. She went all out. I had never met someone like her. She was never upset or angry in front of us. Always smiling and sharing a laugh. But I know it's all too good to be true. She made everyone feel so special but didn't see how special she was herself. I came to America to be the best hockey player I can be, but now I want nothing more than to help Taylor see herself the way others see her.

-Taylor's POV-

After a week of preparation I was able to pull off my act of kindness. To say I was running on little sleep would be and understatement. But it is nothing I'm not used to. To me, it was all worth it. After practice I went home to relax. Again, I love the boys. They're great. But I can't function without my me time. I was able to write down my thoughts and how well the act of kindness went. The boys were so appreciative and thankful and it made my heart full. Seeing the smiles on their faces and sparkle in their eyes. I live for moments like that. I wanted them to know that I believe in them and am thankful for how great they treat me.

The game was about to start and I was going through the medical notes from training camp. A slight knock sounded and my door opens. "Hey Tater Tot can you come talk to Artemi? I can't get him to calm down" Pat says sounding defeated.

"Sometimes I feel like a therapist more than anything" I say following him out my office.

I found Artemi in the hallway pacing back and fourth. I quietly lay on the ground where he was walking and patted the floor beside me. He lays down next to me and I scoot close enough I can rest my head on his chest.

"You know. One time I was at a cheer competition and it was super early. Like 8 am, and I had just eaten yogurt for breakfast. Halfway through the routine I started feeling weird. Before I knew it I was blowing chunks everywhere. Thousands of people watched me just spew onto the floor. Have you ever seen someone dance and throw up at the same time? Because it's on YouTube if you haven't" I finish. He kept the laughter in until the end then he finally loses it. He was laughing so hard he was crying. "It's not funny, I delayed the completion half an hour because they had to change the panels on the floor" I exclaim playfully slapping his chest then laying my head back down.