And you’ve had your best season ever.That’s a goddamn credit to your character, son.He keeps shaking his head.Well, of course you should take as much time as you need.How would you like to handle this with the team?
I’d like to tell them the news.If we don’t get him back, I’m going to be pretty devastated.But I’ll want to get back to hockey as soon as possible.
There’s a short silence, then I add,It seems unimportant in the scale of world events, but I really want to win a championship this year.
Because this is my truth too, I love hockey and I want all the sacrifices I’ve made for the game to pay off.Otherwise, maybe I would have gone to Ukraine as well.Could I have protected Marko?Or would we both have been captured?For so long, I’ve not allowed myself to play what-if games but my imagination is finally recharging with possibilities.
Okay, why don’t you talk to the team after practice today?Coach Norman suggests.
Thank you, Coach.I rise, and he moves closer to deliver a hug that’s almost painful.Then he grasps my hand and shakes it.
I hope all goes well for you.Do whatever you have to do.This is much more important than hockey.
I go to talk to my academic counsellor about taking a week off, explaining only that it’s a family emergency.I get a message from my father that my flight leaves early tomorrow morning, so I decide to drive to Minneapolis tonight and stay at an airport hotel.
When I talk to the team, they’re equally shocked and supportive.Guys see me afterwards to offer help and good wishes.Mats stays until the end.
I can’t believe you didn’t tell me anything,he says quietly.
I felt helpless.And there wasn’t anything you could about this.
Yeah, but sharing your problems can helpyou.I thought we had a breakthrough when we were talking at the airport.But that was only Level One in the enigma that is Vik Zelenko.
I chuckle.You’re the only one who’s passed Level One, though.
It’s dangerous in Ukraine, right?he asks.
I nod.There are missile strikes and drone attacks.The Canadian government warns against travel to Ukraine.We’ll have to fly to Poland and take ground transport from there.
Maybe you should settle anything you have on your conscience.Mats’s wording is cryptic, but I know what he means.I need to talk to Evie before I leave.I’ve wanted to talk to her all along but didn’t feel I deserved to.Still, I should thank her before I go.At least I can satisfy my desire to see her once more.
I message her.
Can I see you?It’s really important.
When I don’t hear from her for an hour, I add,I know I don’t deserve your time, but please?
I pack, pace around my room, and still nothing.
Finally after dinner later, I hear back.
Sorry.I was in a study group.Come over any time.
Relief floods through me.She’s as generous as ever.And of course, Evie would never check her phone during school.
As I stride over to Humphrey Hall, I recall the different scenarios I had imagined for my apology to Evie.Imaginative ways to attain her forgiveness with special gifts or significant places.But now it all boils down to a few stolen moments before I have to leave.
Maybe it’s better this way.Evie shies away from the spotlight, and I would never put her in a public situation where she felt forced to forgive me.
All I have to offer is authentic emotion.I go up to her room and knock on her door.
Her roommate opens it partway.
Hi, Annie.Is Evie here?
Yes.But after everything you’ve done, I don’t think I should let you in.Her expression is fierce, but I stifle a laugh.It would take more than five-foot-nothing girl to stop me from seeing Evie.
I keep my reply mild.I wouldn’t have come here unless Evie said it was okay.
