I pushed harder, leaning into the turns, really testing the ankle strength and flexibility. The foot was tired now—I could feel it working harder than the left, muscles compensating for weeks of disuse—but it was holding up.
Thirty minutes in, Chuck waved me over.
I skated to the bench, breathing hard, savoring the good burn of real exertion. I wasn’t at full capacity yet, but I was back to working on cardio at the facility.
“Off,” Chuck said, gesturing at my skates.
I sat and unlaced, pulled off the skate and sock. Chuck examined the foot carefully, pressing along the metatarsals, checking range of motion.
“Any pain?”
“No. Just tired.”
“That’s normal. Swelling?”
“A little. Not much.”
“How did it feel out there?”
“Fantastic. Strong.” I met his eyes. “When can I do full practice?”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” But he was smiling. “I’ll report to Dr. Chen. My recommendation will be to continue light skating this week—just skating drills. If the foot continues to hold up, we’ll progress to no-contact practice with the team next week.”
“And full contact?”
“Depends on how the next week goes. But so far, sogood. Whatever you’ve been doing for recovery, keep doing it.”
Whatever I’d been doing. Living with Étienne. Being happy. Having someone to care for me, to keep me accountable.
“I’ll keep doing it,” I said.
Chuck wrapped the foot, had me test a few more movements, then cleared me to go.
“Same time tomorrow,” he said. “And Marco? Good work today.”
In the locker room, I pulled out my phone and texted Étienne:
Marco
First skate done. Went great.
The response came almost immediately.
Étienne
That’s amazing! I’m so proud of you
Marco
When will you be home?
Étienne
Flight lands 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Can’t come soon enough.
Marco
Miss you.
