Page 245 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

Every morning I wake up for one impossible second believing she's still here.

Every morning reality catches up before I make it to the kitchen.

The cabin isn't getting quieter.

I'm simply getting used to the silence.

***

Two weeks later...

I automatically kneel beside one of the younger players, helping tape a sore ankle before the trainer can get there.

Halfway through, my hands pause. Annette would've done exactly the same thing. She never walked past someone who needed help.

For a long moment, I simply stare at the fresh tape wrapped neatly around the rookie's ankle. Then, without saying a word, I finish the job.

As the rookie thanks me and hurries away, I realize something that catches me completely off guard.

Without even noticing...

I've started seeing people the way Annette does.

***

Four weeks later...

I’m continuing on my own with post-intense rehab, so I’m basically using the gym to keep up exercises on days that I’m not with one of my trainers. Rehab finally feels routine.

Mrs. Alvarez is talking with one of the cardiac patients struggling to finish the last few steps around the therapy gym.

His shoulders sag. "I don't think I've got another lap in me."

Before I can think about it, I'm beside him. "You've already done the hard part."

He looks over.

"What part's that?"

"You showed up."

A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.

"Now let's finish together."

We walk the final stretch side by side.

Slowly.

Patiently.

When we reach his chair, he lowers himself into it with an exhausted grin.

"I didn't think I could do it."

"You could."

"You just needed someone to remind you."