“Send an ambulance, too,” I add on quickly. I hang up the phone before I can hear the operator's response. My body trembles with urgency as I fall to my knees beside Aiden. Aiden cranes his neck to look up at me. “Carol, are you okay?” He asks. His voice is thin — it’s obvious he’s suffering. I ch
Aiden winces as he adjusts himself on the uncomfortable hospital bed. The doctors have put his foot in a bulky cast now. I sit beside him, my hands fidgeting uncontrollably as waves of concern wash over me. “How are you feeling?” I ask softly. I reach out a hand to take his, but I hesitate. I can’
My heart drops. Some part of me had wondered absently if Aiden’s family might have something to do with all of this, but to have Aiden say it truly confirmed how far things have spiraled. “Do you think they would do something like this?” I ask at last. “I mean, I know they don’t approve of me, b
I can’t help but feel touched despite their clumsy delivery. Their awkwardness and stilted conversation with Aiden betray their genuine concern for him. It warms my heart to see them come to their teammate’s side in his time of need. One evening, Aiden is admitted to the hospital, his childhood
Aiden swallows hard and nods. “Oh? What are you considering?” He says. His voice is rough and low, and it sends a shiver down my spine. “Well,” I say, my voice playful, “I know you can’t move very much. You probably won’t be able to touch me. But…” I trail off meaningfully. Aiden is hanging on to
The moment I step into the locker room, I’m struck by the heavy atmosphere in the air. The usual banter and camaraderie of the pre-game space is completely absent. Instead, there is a palpable sense of unease. As expected, morale in the room is low. For a moment, I feel a pang of awkwardness at en
‘I know you can help them. Please, Carol, work your magic. You’re their best shot at victory.’ I rub my forehead. As much as I appreciate his faith, I feel as though all I can do is disappoint. I already tried to encourage them. I’m not sure how anything I say could affect them at this point. Stil
“You are the Statford Freeze, with or without Aiden,” I remind them. “You’ve risen to fame. You’ve made it to the semifinals. Has all of that growth been for nothing?” I hear a quiet chorus of “no” in response to my words. A passionate smile pulls at my lips. “Then show them,” I challenge. “Show