I revel in the glory.
In the exhilaration.
In the hard-fought exhaustion that only a sport like hockey can wring out of me.
And when I look into the thinning crowd, I see someone bounding down the stairs with an urgency that captures my attention. The woman’s ponytail bounces behind her and I recognize her even from this distance.
Riley.
She sees me looking in her direction and stops abruptly.
My lips inch up in a smile.
Heart stirring, I meet her gaze and tap my hockey stick on the ice.
I’m done, Riles. It’s you and nothing else now.
That’s when the pain I pushed aside throughout the game rises like a giant wave and crashes over me.
My body crumples.
“Campbell!” Chance yells.
I struggle to stay upright, but I can’t put any weight on my left leg.
Renthrow is close by and he guides my hand on his shoulder. “Keep close to me, buddy.”
I grit my teeth to shut down an agonized cry as the pain brings tears to my eyes. I fling my head back, staring into the dazzling arena lights.
“Medic! We need a medic!”
The losing team, that had been preparing to line up for the handshake ceremony, look on in concern.
“Is this because of Theilan’s dirty plays?” Coben demands, skating by while McLanely and Renthrow help me to the benches.
“Where is he?” Kinsey growls, spinning around.
McLanely grabs Kinsey’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about him right now.”
Chaos erupts around me.
I hear Coach’s voice.
Max’s voice.
Then I’m being lifted up on a stretcher.
And in the midst of disjointed sounds, worried voices and the flash of overhead lights, I feel a soft hand slip into mine.
“I’m here, Nat. You’re going to be okay. I promise. Everything’s going to be okay.”
I grip Riley’s hand as my eyes squeeze tightly shut.
I know what’s about to happen. The doctors will look at my leg and tell me I won’t be able to play hockey again.
Just like they did after my accident.
But this time, I’m going to rebuild my life around something other than my beloved sport.
