The Cure || Adrian Kempe

Twenty

Sabina's POV- July 2018

Yesterday, I had joined Adrian for his dentist appointment. Once we were there, they scheduled a root canal for early in the morning the next day. Turns out Adrian had a really bad gag reflex and hated the dentist, so his doctor suggested sedation. While he got dental work done, Mario and I went out for breakfast. 

Swedish people ate fish in most of their meals. I couldn't do that, at least not for breakfast. I order two pannkakor(s), which resembled a thin pancake, almost like a crepe. Mario ordered a form of sandwich that came on crisp bread which honestly reminded me of a cracker. His bread had cut boiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, ham, and cheese. He added some spread from a blue tube as he looked at me.

"How are you liking Sweden?"

I nodded.

"It's beautiful here," I told him.

He smiled.

"I'm glad you like it here"

I took a sip of my coffee.

"How'd meeting mom and dad go?"

"They're lovely people" I answered.

I had met their parents a couple of days ago. Camila, their mom was a sweetheart, and all Michael wanted to do was talk about hockey with me. They were both incredibly proud of their sons, and what they had accomplished.

"They can be a bit intimidating"

"They were welcoming," I told him.

"Cause you understand the career"

I smiled.

"I only have one year of pro hockey under my belt" I stated.

He chuckled.

"You were born and raised in California and got a Division I scholarship to one of the top collegiate programs in women's hockey. That's kind of a huge deal Sabs"

I shrugged.

"You represented your country at two Olympics, Sabs you were a pretty darn good hockey player. The assist you had in the gold medal match"

I scrunched my nose getting a laugh in return from him.

"I'm pretty sure you didn't reach the prime of your career"

"Let's change the subject," I said.

He shook his head.

"Little girls in your home state idolize you, and want to be you when they grow up"

He continued.

"You're a role model, something you didn't have growing up"

He was right.

"Why'd you retire?"

"Because when I set my goals, women's professional hockey leagues were just a thought," I replied.

When I was in college, I watched my National Team members struggle to pay rent. They worked full-time jobs and played 'pro' during the weekend. I saw most of them have mental breakdowns, and nearly quit hockey because they couldn't afford the lifestyle. This was often overlooked by the media, and well I didn't want to live a life like that.

"Up until a couple of months ago, we weren't taken seriously. The team had to threaten to boycott a tournament to get adequate living arrangements. We were paid little to nothing when you compare the salary then men get. Last I remember, the women's US National team has medaled in almost every single tournament they've participated in. What have the men, mostly NHL players accomplished? Their ranking is nowhere near the Women's rank, yet they get paid more. They get nice arrangements for their families and themselves, they never struggled to pay rent, never worried about not being able to afford a meal. Hockey gear is expensive, the men get their gear replaced every couple of games. Unless you have sponsorships, it's a struggle" I said.