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“Have you considered telling him about what you were juggling in school? It’s not his business, but it might help clear the air.”

I hesitated, considering Liam’s suggestion. I’d already said more to Andre than I’d intended. These days I navigated reading with the help of technology, but it didn’t reduce the flashbacks of how it had been in school when studying was difficult and talking in front of the class was nightmarish.

“I’ll think about it.”

As if the universe knew I needed a subject change, the doors to the rink opened and the first campers arrived. The energy shifted with excited chatter and the clatter of hockey gear being lugged in.

Liam and I seamlessly transitioned into greeting campers and parents, checking registrations, giving out packets, and directing everyone to the locker rooms. My mood improved as I welcomed returning players and introduced myself to first-timers.

Dix arrived as registration continued, his presence causing a stir among the campers who recognized him. He made his way over to us, looking around the busy lobby with a huge smile on his face.

“Morning, coaches.” He was dressed in the coaching outfit we’d provided—jacket, insulated shirt, and pants all emblazoned with a rainbow puck that featured the words Maplewood Hockey Camp. “Anything I can do to help?”

I glanced at Liam, who shrugged. “If you want to mingle with the campers, introduce yourself, that’d be great. You can also hit the ice whenever you want.”

Dix nodded, already scanning the crowd. “You got it.” He immediately started talking to some of the campers who were nearby.

Two familiar faces approached.

“Mimi! Tommy! Good morning.”

Mimi beamed, her excitement on display. “Coach Ethan! Coach Liam! Can’t wait to get started.”

Tommy nodded in agreement. “Is the ice open?”

“Of course.” I was sure Mimi and Tommy would live on the ice if they could. “You can go out anytime you’re ready.”

“Awesome,” Tommy said.

I handed over their information packets. “See you out there.”

They headed back to the locker rooms, stopping to chat along the way. Watching these kids grow and improve year after year was one of the best parts of running the camp.

A new camper stepped up, dragging his gear bag behind him and holding two sticks along with his phone. He appeared to be about sixteen, and his eyes darted all over, taking in the scene.

“Good morning,” I said as he leaned the sticks against the edge of the table, taking a moment to make sure they weren’t going to fall. “I’m Coach Ethan. Let’s get you checked in.”

The young man smiled. “Good morning.” He tapped his phone before he continued. “Hi, I’m Milo Joss.” He paused again, seeming nervous. “I’m deaf and my hearing aids are off right now because of the rink noise. I signed up last night because I found out Dixon Cliff is here. I know it’s last minute and you probably weren’t expecting a deaf player, but I’d love to do this. I play for my high school in Montpelier, and my coach there could talk to you about how we make it work.” He held the phone so I could see the screen for a moment. “I’m not sure these captions are going to work well with the noise, but we can try. I can read lips too.” He looked hopeful.

I held up a finger. “One moment.”

I pulled up my messaging app and spoke. “Hi, Milo. Great to meet you. I’m Coach Ethan. It’s great to have you here. To talk right now, we can text, go somewhere quieter so you can use your hearing aids, or I can sign. What works best for you so you don’t have to rely on lip reading?”

I handed my phone to Milo, and his face lit up as he read. He returned the phone to me and quickly signed back, his movements fluid and expressive. “You can sign?” He looked pleasantly surprised as he also spoke the words.

I nodded, my hands moving to form the words as I spoke aloud. “I learned in college. One of my roommates was deaf and he preferred signing.”

Milo’s smile widened. “That’s awesome. I usually sign if I can, even when my hearing aids are on. Is it okay if we talk like this for now?”

“Absolutely.” I continued to reply in sign and speak just as he was. “Tell me more about your last-minute decision.”

Milo’s hands moved expressively as he explained. “My coach mentioned yesterday that Mr. Cliff was going to be here. I’m a fan and I’d love to learn from him. Luckily, my parents said yes. But I know you might not be able to fit me in.”

Liam handed me Milo’s packet and the form with his details. “I apologize. I printed the form off this morning without reading it.”

“Just a second,” I signed to Milo. He nodded.

“There is a note here in the ‘what can we do to make this camp the best it can be for you’ field.” Liam pointed to that part of the page. “It says that Milo’s deaf and that he hoped it’d be okay to be here. His coach’s number is here too.”