Page 128 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

I close my eyes briefly. Of course. The captain should be there. The foundation matters. The kids matter. Sponsors matter. Everything matters.

"How long?"

"Thirty minutes. Maybe forty-five."

"You'll arrive after the opening ceremony. Say hello to the kids. Take a few pictures. Then head home."

I don't even think about my answer. "Of course, I'll do it."

"Thank you." Relief fills her voice. "We'll handle everything else."

When the call ends, I lower the phone slowly. For a moment I simply stand there looking at the blank screen. The quiet I'd built over the past several weeks suddenly feels farther away. Annette walks over carrying another resistance band.

She doesn't ask who called. She already knows. "The team?" I nod.

"They want you back."

Not really a question. "No." I slip the phone into my pocket. They want Captain Walker."

Something flickers across her face. Not surprise. Understanding. "They're different people?"

The answer comes before I have time to think. "They're supposed to be."

For the first time since I arrived that morning...my shoulder feels tight again.

Not because of the surgery, but because the world outside this building has just reminded me that it hasn't stopped needing the captain. And I'm no longer sure I remember how to be both.

***

I slip my phone back into my pocket and return to the therapy station.

Annette is waiting beside the treatment table; a resistance band looped around one hand. She nods toward the exercise mat. "Let's finish."

I nod. "Sure."

The word comes automatically. My thoughts don't. I pick up the band and begin the first movement. Slowly out. Pause. Return. I've done this exercise dozens of times. Today my rhythm feels wrong. The band snaps back a little faster than it should.

Annette notices immediately. "Control the return."

"Sorry."

I begin again. This time my shoulder tightens halfway through the movement. Not sharp pain. Just enough resistance to make me compensate. I know I'm doing it, but I can't seem to stop.

"Relax your neck."

I lower my shoulders.

Start over. Better. Not good.

The image keeps replaying in my mind. Children at the charity skate. Sponsors. Photos. Questions.

The captain is back.

Except...he isn't.

"Jamie."

I blink. "What?"