Page 109 of Line Change

“Knock, knock,” Hunter says, peeking his head into Elias’s room. “You up for visitors?”

I can’t hear what Elias says, but Hunter steps inside and beckons for us to join him.

“Hey, buddy. We brought you food.” Holt hands Elias the bag.

“Thanks. You all didn’t have to come.” He sets the bag on the table next to him and pulls out the sandwich and drink.

“We know, mate, but we figured you could use the company.” I take a seat in one of the chairs.

Elias takes a bite of his sandwich, chewing and swallowing before speaking. “So, what’s the latest?”

Wes leans against the wall across from the foot of the bed before launching into the recap of what happened when we met up with his former teammate.

“Haven’t heard more from the PI yet, but he said he’s working on a few different leads.”

“At least we’re getting somewhere,” Elias says, and we lapse into silence.

It’s broken by Holt. “How are you holding up?” he asks.

Elias toys with the napkin in his hand. “I think I’m done with hockey.”

No one says anything for a few beats, and then we all speak at once.

“You’re what?” Wes asks.

“You’ve got years left,” I tell him.

“Is that what the doctors told you?” This from Hunter.

“It might take a while, but you can come back from this,” Holt says.

“I don’t know if I want to,” Elias says to Holt before turning to the rest of us. “They told me I might never fully recover.” He gestures to his leg that’s propped up and wrapped in bandages. “It’s going to be months of rehab to maybe be able to skate again, and who knows how well.” He lets out a bark of laughter. “I … I don’t know if it’s worth it.”

He takes another bite of his sandwich as we all exchange concerned glances.

“Are you sure? Maybe you’ll make a full recovery. You don’t know,” Hunter says.

“I know.” Elias blows out a breath. “Hockey was my whole life, and now maybe it’s over.” He rubs a hand down his face before going back to his lunch as if he didn’t just drop a bombshell on us.

“You know we’re here for you. Whatever you need,” Wes says.

Elias swallows roughly, and it breaks my heart to see my friend hurt and in the hospital, contemplating retiring. Life’s not fucking fair. Had he not gotten injured, he’d have at least a few more years left of his career. And now who knows.

“Thanks.” Elias pauses for a beat before speaking again. “I’m just weighing the options.”

The door swings open behind me as a female voice says, “Hi, Eli, how are you feeling?”

I turn in my chair, and Ansley walks in, holding a Publix bag. This is interesting.

“Oh,” she says, her face turning red when she sees us.

“I told you that you didn’t need to come,” Elias says.

“Hey, Ansley,” Hunter says, and I can hear the smile in his voice.

“Hiya,” Holt says.

“Ansley, fancy seeing you here.” I grin at her.