Page 129 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

"You've stopped counting."

I look down.

The resistance band hangs loose in my hand. Apparently, I've drifted somewhere else entirely.

"Sorry."

She doesn't answer right away. Instead, she walks over and gently takes the band from my hand. "We're done with this."

"I've only finished one set."

"I know."

"I can do the rest."

"I know."

Her voice remains calm. No frustration. No lecture. Just certainty. I recognize that tone. It usually means arguing will accomplish absolutely nothing. I let out a slow breath. "It's not the shoulder."

"No." She folds the band neatly before setting it on the counter. "I didn't think it was." The therapy gym hums around us as Annette pulls two chairs toward the windows.

"Sit with me."

I raise an eyebrow. "Is this still therapy?"

"It is now."

I lower myself into the chair across from her. For a moment she simply watches the snow falling beyond the glass. Not watching me. Watching the world. Giving me room to settle.

Finally, she speaks. "You answered before Megan finished asking."

I look over. "You heard enough?"

"I wasn't trying to."

"I know."

Another quiet settles between us. "You never considered saying no." It isn't an accusation. Just an observation. I rub my palms together slowly.

"I didn't."

"Why?"

The answer feels embarrassingly simple. "Because they need me."

She tilts her head.

"The children?"

"Yes. The foundation. The organization. The sponsors. My teammates."

I stop. Then laugh softly. "I suppose that's a long list."

"It is."

She studies me for a moment. "And where are you on it?"

I don't answer. Mostly because I don't understand the question.