I dressed in silence, moving like a ghost so I wouldn't wake Chloe. I didn't want to have to explain anything from last night . I pulled on my Northwood track suit and left the room.
*******
The air at the rink was always colder at 6:00 AM, but today it felt sharp enough to draw blood. I walked into the locker room, expecting the usual morning banter, the smell of coffee and the sound of sticks hitting the floor. Instead, I walked into silence.
Carl was already there.
He was sitting in his stall, slowly taping his stick
"Morning, Captain," Carl said, his voice smooth and cold. You look tired. Rough night ?"
The word hung in the air, a direct callback to the excuse I’d given Chloe. My stomach did a slow sickening roll.
"Just focus on the drills, Carl," I said, my voice tight. I open
