Melting ice

Burger for breakfast

*Ava*

“He has a muscle sprain and a small dislocation of a vertebra,” the doctor explains, his voice steady but grave. “With proper care and rehabilitation, he should make a full recovery. However, he’ll need to stay here for a couple of days for observation and treatment… then he needs to stay still while it heals.”

I nod, absorbing the information. “What’s the timeline for his recovery? When can he get back on the ice?”

The doctor hesitates, glancing down at his clipboard. “It really depends on how well he responds to the initial treatment and rehabilitation… how good he is at keeping still. We will set up a plan, but I’d advise being cautious. We don’t want to rush him back too soon.”

“Understood,” I reply, my mind racing with thoughts of Rasmus and what this means for his career. I can see the worry etched on Caleb and Virginia’s faces behind me, but I try to keep my expression neutral, focusing on the positives.

“Can we see him?” Virginia asks, her voice small but determined.

“Yes, of course. Follow me,” the doctor replies, leading us down the narrow hallway. Each step feels like a small eternity, my heart pounding in my chest. I can’t shake the worry that clings to me like a shadow.

As we reach Rasmus’s room, I catch a glimpse of him through the glass. He’s propped up against the headboard, his hair tousled and a frown marring his usually bright features. My heart aches at the sight of him like this… vulnerable, weary, but still undeniably Rasmus.

The doctor opens the door, stepping aside to let us in. “Rasmus, you have some visitors,” he announces, his tone lightening the mood slightly.

Rasmus looks up, his expression shifting from concern to a flicker of happiness as he sees us. “Hey,” he murmurs, his voice hoarse but warm, like a beacon of light piercing through the fog of anxiety that has enveloped me.

“Hey yourself,” I reply, forcing a smile as I walk closer to his bedside. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I got hit by a truck,” he jokes weakly, attempting to chuckle but wincing at the pain. My heart twists at the sight.

“Yeah, well, you did get hit… and well he kinda looks like a dumb truck,” Caleb says, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall, his protective instincts kicking in. “You scared the hell out of us, you know that?”

Rasmus’s lips twitch into a grin, but it doesn’t last long. “I didn’t mean to. I just wanted to win the game,” he replies, his brow furrowing. “I hate being here. I should be out there celebrating with the team… so should you.”

Virginia moves to sit on the edge of the bed, her expression softening as she reaches for his hand. “You will be back out there, Rasmus. We’re just glad you’re okay. That’s what matters right now.”

I watch as he squeezes her hand, and it brings a small comfort that he doesn’t seem to beaten by this. “I just feel… down,” he admits, looking around the sterile hospital room as if it’s a prison.

I step closer, resting my hand gently on his shoulder, my fingers brushing against the fabric of his hospital gown. “You’re going to be okay. This is just a bump in the road, and you’re strong enough to get through it. We’re all here for you, every step of the way. I promise.”

Rasmus meets my gaze, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. “I know. That means a lot, Ava.”

Caleb clears his throat, trying to lighten the mood. “Besides, just think of this as an extended vacation. You can binge-watch whatever shows you’ve been missing.”

“Or we can bring you some snacks,” Virginia chimes in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “What’s on your wishlist? Ice cream? Chips? All the things you usually deny yourself.”

Rasmus chuckles, the sound soothing and warm, even if it’s strained. “Honestly, I’d kill for a burger right now.”

“Then it’s settled,” Caleb grins. “We’ll bring you the best burger this city has to offer. Just you wait.”

As the conversation flows, I can see the tension in Rasmus’s shoulders slowly easing. Laughter fills the room, mingling with the sterile scent of antiseptic and the soft beeping of the monitors. It’s comforting, and I can’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over me as I watch them all together.

Hours pass like minutes, and I lose track of time as we share stories, jokes, and plans for the future. Rasmus’s spirit lifts, and I can see the flicker of determination re-igniting in his eyes. But beneath the surface, I can’t shake the feeling that something deeper lingers… an uncertainty about his future, both on and off the ice.

I know it’s time for me to leave. I lean down, giving Rasmus a small sof hug. “I’ll be back tomorrow, okay? We’ll work on your rehabilitation plan together.”

“Promise?” he asks, his voice soft and vulnerable.

“Promise,” I reply, forcing a smile even as my heart aches. “And don’t forget… you need that burger first thing in the morning.”

“Deal,” he says, a genuine smile breaking through the worry.

With one last look back at him, I step outside and close the door gently, feeling a sense of hope wrapped around me like a warm blanket. As I walk down the corridor, I know Rasmus will be okay. He’s got the strength, the support, and the heart to fight through this. And I will help him to the best of my ability.