The arena emptied slowly.
Fans filed out, still cheering, still buzzing. The players drifted toward the locker room, the Cup passed from hand to hand, no one could get enough of it. Sebastian watched them go, but he did not follow. He stood at center ice, alone, looking up at the empty suite where Julian had been.
Someone touched his shoulder.
"Coming?" Louie asked.
"In a jiffy."
Louie nodded and left quietly. The lights dimmed slowly in turn, the Zamboni started its slow circle... and Sebastian stayed behind. Shortly after, he heard footsteps on the tunnel stairs and Julian appeared, limping, his crutches under his arms, his face soft in the low light. The crowd was gone, the cameras were off and everywhere was quiet.
"You are still here," Julian said.
"I was waiting for you, boo."
