He shoots at the opposing team’s net, but their goalie blocks it.
Auntie snaps her fingers. “So close.”
Liam flies across the ice after a player on the other team takes the puck. He manages to steal it away and takes off back toward the net.
As he speeds up, a player from the opposing team catches up with him. A second later, the guy checks Liam.
He slams head-first into the boards, then collapses onto the ice.
Chapter 48
Kendall
Iwatch, holding my breath, waiting for Liam to get up.
But he doesn’t. He lies there on the ice, not moving.
I count the seconds.
One, two, three, four…
My heart stops.
“Oh my god…” Auntie murmurs.
Fear and panic slice through me. My heart rockets to my throat. I can’t move, I can’t breathe, I can’t look away…
No…he can’t be…he has to be…
The moments pass in slow motion. I watch as players from both teams circle around him. Two of his teammates crouch down to check on him. Every other player on the ice starts shouting and waving for help, even players on the opposing team.
A team of medical workers runs over to him, carrying medical equipment and a gurney.
And that’s when I lose it.
A sob rips from my throat. I can’t catch my breath. It feels like an elephant is sitting on my chest. I try to push up from the couch, but I’m shaking so hard, my arms give out.
“L-Liam…h-he…he’s…”
“Anak.” Auntie grips my face in her hands and turns me to look at her. “Just take a breath, okay? A slow, deep breath.”
I try, but I’m crying too hard. After a few seconds, I finally manage to take a breath. I look back at the TV and see Liam being carried off the ice.
And then I hear the announcer.
“…folks, I wish we could give you a better update at this time, but we don’t have information on Liam Scott’s status. We do know he lost consciousness after being checked into the boards minutes ago. Medical staff is caring for him, and he will be transported to the local hospital.”
I shoot up from the couch, my entire body vibrating with the need to be with Liam.
“I need to go to him,” I blurt out. I wipe my nose with the back of my hand and stumble around the living room, searching for my phone.
“Anak, are you sure? You’re really upset right now, you shouldn’t be driving.”
I spot my phone on the kitchen counter. I run over and swipe it. I’m about to run out to my car, but then I realize I have no idea what hospital Liam will be at.
My hands shake as I grip my phone waiting for my brain to claw out of this panic fog so I can figure out what to do.
Then it hits me: Aidan. He goes to all of Liam’s home games. And he just watched his brother lose consciousness in person. He’s probably a wreck.
