Page 108 of Body Checked & Pucked

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Instead I just stand there.

I keep my focus on Mac.

I listen to the priest speak.

The entire thing is just so damn sad.

The guy who is running Mac’s father’s company now - Mike - he’s bawling. He’s blubbering and shaking and the woman he’s with is rubbing his back and handing him tissues.

That’s what a real woman does for her man.

The same as a real man would stand next to his woman no matter what.

I take my eyes off the scene for a second and look around and sure enough, Mila is looking right at me.

Our eyes lock.

Granted, it’s only for a split second before she looks away, but still…

I take a step and the priest then makes an announcement that anyone who would like to place a flower on the casket can do so now.

It’s also a chance to see Mac again. Pay our final respects.

Not that any of us really knew much about Mac’s father.

But again, we’re here for Mac.

A decent sized line forms and I keep my hands at my sides and just look straight ahead.

My feet shuffle slowly when I walk.

I’m the first of the hockey players to get to Mac.

I take a white rose and gently place it on the casket.

Then I grab Mac and pull him in for a hug.

“Love you, man,” I whisper.

Mac nods.

I look at Violet.

She nods too.

As I walk and turn to my left, I see Mila again.

She’s just a few feet from me now, in line.

There’s a moment when I think she’s going to talk to me. She doesn’t.

I’m sure she’s thinking the same about me.

I don’t say a word to her.

My eyes go down to the ground and I keep walking.

There isn’t much making sense right now. Everywhere I go and everywhere I turn… it’s just one thing after another.

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