"Relax," Dex says. "Educational honesty."
Bobby clears his throat.
"We play hockey," he says. "Which means skating, teamwork, and scoring goals."
Dex nods.
"And occasionally crashing into people."
"Accidentally," Bobby adds.
"Debatable," Colby says.
The teacher exhales slowly.
"Maybe Maddie would like to introduce her dad," she says.
Maddie pops up like she just won the lottery.
"This is my dad!" she announces proudly. "He's a winger and he's the fastest player on the team."
"Sometimes," I say.
"All the time," Dex corrects.
"Except when he's falling," Colby adds.
"Traitor," I mutter.
Kids laugh.
One boy raises his hand.
"Do you get paid?"
"Yes," Dex says.
"To play a game?"
"It's a very serious game," Bobby says.
"With helmets," Dex adds.
"And taxes," Colby says.
The principal looks impressed.
Coach shrugs slightly. "It might look like a game," he says, "but it's still our job. We practice every day, work hard, and try to get better so we can do our jobs well."
Dex raises a finger.
"We should demonstrate hockey," he says.
The teacher blanches.
"Absolutely not—"
"Absolutely yes," the principal says instantly.
