Page 316 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

I open my eyes to the pale light creeping through the cabin windows and lie still for a moment, listening to the familiar sounds outside. Somewhere across the lake, one of the ever-present loons calls into the quiet dawn. A breeze stirs the pine branches, carrying with it the scent of spring and cold water.

For the first time in months, game day feels wonderfully ordinary.

That thought makes me smile.

There was a time when every game morning began with pressure. I would wake already thinking about line matchups, media interviews, community appearances, sponsorship commitments, and the thousand invisible responsibilities that seemed to come with wearing the captain's "C."

Today...

The first thing I think about is Annette.

My phone buzzes on the nightstand before I can reach for it.

Annette, of course.

Good luck today. Not that you'll need it.

A second message appears almost immediately.

Remember what your therapist said. Listen to your shoulder.

I laugh quietly and type back.

Fortunately for both of us...

I pause long enough to smile.

...my shoulder didn't get a vote.

Three dots appear almost instantly.

I'm still putting that in your permanent chart.

I shake my head.

I'm afraid there's no billing code for stubborn hockey captains.

Another pause.

Then...

There should be.

I slip the phone back onto the stand, still smiling.

Some habits, it seems, are worth keeping forever.

***

By the time I reach Frostholm Arena, the parking lot is already filling with early fans wearing navy and silver jerseys, some spreading out tailgate food and others heading inside to the shops and food vendors.

Children race toward the entrance carrying homemade signs.

One catches my attention as I walk toward the players' entrance.

WELCOME BACK, CAPTAIN!

His father notices me looking and nudges the boy gently.