Evie's POV
“I have to go,” I said, my voice tight, an edge of panic starting to fray my composure. The hockey rink hummed around me, kids’ laughter echoing off the high ceiling. It was after practice, and I was on ‘safe pickup’ duty, one of the less glamorous parts of my coaching gig. The policy was clear: no one left until every single child was with their designated guardian. But this wasn’t just *something*. This was… Mom.
Becca, clipboard hugged to her chest, frowned, her eyes flicking from my face to the huddle of young players still tying their skates. “Evie, you know the drill. We’re short-staffed tonight. Who’s going to supervise the last few?”
“I just got a call,” I pleaded, my heart hammering against my ribs. “It’s serious. It’s about my mom.”
Becca’s frown didn’t soften. If
