Varga checked his first. "Oh, man. You're onSportsCenteragain."
I paused mid-unlacing. "What?"
"The goal. They're looping it." He turned his phone toward me.
The replay showed the sequence in slow motion. Point shot. Bodies converging. Contact. The puck deflected off my thigh at an angle that looked accidental, even though I'd followed Markel's instructions.
The commentators provided the soundtrack.
"—another one of these Donnelly specials. Chaos in front, and somehow the puck finds—"
"Is it chaos or positioning? He absorbs contact, keeps his stick active—"
"Sure, but let's be honest. That's not a skill play. That's fortunate placement—"
Varga grinned. "They're calling themDonnelly specialsnow. You've got a brand."
I yanked my skate off. "Great."
"Dude, embrace it. Visibility is currency."
Visibility.
The word stuck like an ice chip lodged in my throat.
My phone sat in my stall. Twelve notifications. Three texts. The rest news alerts.
I opened one.
DONNELLY DOES IT AGAIN: LUCK OR SUSTAINABLE SKILL?
Skimmed the article.
The rookie winger has now scored twice in two games, both from chaotic net-front scrambles. Analysts split on whether Donnelly's early success reflects legitimate skill or fortunate positioning...
I didn't feel lucky or skilled. The spotlight was too hot and too close.
I'd been trying to earn my spot quietly. Let the work speak without requiring commentary.
I finished undressing and headed for the showers.
When I returned, Kieran sat at his stall in dark jeans and a crewneck sweater. He didn't look up.
I packed my bag. Bus to the airport in twenty.
I boarded late. Most seats taken.
Varga sprawled across two seats up front, headphones on, eyes closed.
Rook sat alone midway back, reading something on his tablet.
The only open seat was next to Kieran. He sat by the window, wearing a dark jacket. Shoulders angled toward the glass.
I stopped at the row. He looked up. "Seat's open."
I dropped in. Set my bag between my feet.
We sat in silence for two blocks.
