Walker practically howls with laughter. Everyone is now watching his antics. I hiss at him to shut it..
“Like I could. Oh, that is just too good.” He chortles.
I flip him the finger.
“Fuck you very much. So glad I could provide you with entertainment.” But I’m still smiling because it’s hardly the worst thing to happen to me this week, and I’d never admit it, but it is pretty hilarious.
I’m on fire in practice today, and it feels fantastic. Coach has us doing 3 on 2 drills, testing out the lines. He has Walker and I together with Camps today, against Orly and Irish, with Reedsy in goal, as usual. All that extra practice with Walker is paying off because I’m able to keep up with both him and Camps, which is a first for me.
We’re flying down the ice, and it’s like magic. Every pass connects perfectly, despite the stellar defensive play from Irish and Orly. Camps even manages to get one past Reedsy, andthat’s a pretty rare feat these days, because he’s been a wall since training began. The kid has talent, and he’s just starting his career.
I put in my all today, and it shows. I’m grateful to Walks. If he hadn’t ridden my ass so hard about extra practice, I wouldn’t be nearly this fast. That really makes me rethink the last few years. I’d settled for second or third line, not putting in a solid effort to improve. Looking back, it’s clear that I’d succumbed to complacency. I’d let the disappointments and bullying define my self-worth, on the ice and off it.
The change in my place from then to now is telling. Why couldn’t I see this before? Why did I lie down and accept it instead of fighting harder? This year has shaken up all my perceptions, and it’s looking like that’s exactly what I needed to shake off my negligence.
“Ferguson!”
Coach calling my name for the next drill snaps me out of my introspection. I vault over the boards, ready to take my game to the next level, because now I know I can.
Captain's Group Text
Burnsy:I think we all need to know what’s up with Cap
Liam:Nothing’s up
Burnsy :Srsly - Bro you never go commando
Liam:I’m not sure if I’m more disturbed by you noticing or that we’re talking about this here
Coop:Oh don’t get him started.
Liam:Maybe I need to do laundry?
Burnsy:nope. Try again
Coop:I don’t want to know
Orly:I very much want to know
Burnsy:Still waiting
Liam:I’m not talking about it
Burnsy:Now we have to know!
Orly:You must tell us
Liam:Fuck fine
Liam:A dog ate it. Everyone happy?
Burnsy:When did you get a dog?
Liam:I didn’t
Coop:So someone else’s dog...
Orly:So... Were you not at home last night?
