Joelle: Then your medical staff haven't cared.
Emmett: No, they understand the game.
My breath comes faster now, shallow and sharp. The steam from the shower still hangs in the air, making it hard to breathe.
Joelle: I don’t understand the game? The girl whose brothers are playing right beside you. I have no option but to understand hockey. You just don't understand science.
Joelle: Also, if you want to play through it and it tears and you have to have surgery, are you telling me you're not going to hate sitting on the sofa watching your team take home the cup and you're not part of it?
Emmett: I won't need surgery.
This man is infuriating.
Joelle: I’m telling you that you will, especially if you don't rest it.
Emmett: One game won't make a difference.
I pace the small bathroom, phone clutched in my hand. Three steps one way. Three steps back.
Joelle: If one game won’t make a difference then you can rest. Ice. Anti-inflammatories. Physical therapy. Give the ligaments time to heal. You can play again on Friday. I'm not saying you're out the entire week. Just one fucking game.
Emmett: Every game matters.
Joelle: But your health matters more if you want to play one more fucking game.
Emmett: Easy for you to say. You're not the one letting your team down.
That comment hits differently, thawing my frozen heart for a nanosecond.
Joelle: If you play and hurt yourself and you’re out for the rest of the season that is letting your team down more than one game.
Emmett: Tell that to the guys when we lose Friday.
Joelle: Do you think the team is only good because of you?
Emmett: No.
Joelle: Then have faith that they will fight as if you are right there on the ice with them.
Emmett: Of course I have faith in my team.
Joelle: Oh. You're worried that if you aren't there, some young guy will outshine you and take your spot.
Emmett: No.
Joelle: Experience over youth can always win. But only if that experience is healthy.
Emmett: You are infuriating.
Joelle: Right back at you.
Emmett: Fine. I'll sit out. Only because I don't want to be out all season, but this is fucking bullshit.
Joelle: Noted.
Emmett: Have a good night.
Joelle: Rest up, Captain.
