The rink is quiet now. Gabby’s gone home with Mom. Lena’s mom stepped out to take a call. It’s just the two of us sitting on the bench near the ice, our skates still on, the cold air settling around us like a blanket. We didn’t do anything but skate. No drama. No pressure. Just… helping her breathe again.
Lena sits beside me, legs pulled up, arms wrapped around them. She looks tired, but lighter than she did an hour ago. “Thank you,” she says softly. “For… all of this.”
“You don’t have to thank me,” I say. “I wanted to be here.”
She looks down at her hands. “I didn’t think I’d ever get back on the ice.”
“You did,” I say. “And you will again.” She gives me a small smile, the kind that hits me right in the chest.
We’re quiet for a moment, just listening to the hum of the arena lights. T
