Page 84 of The Best Friend Power Play

"Oh, sure. Of course."

Hannah stands up next to me, and I lean against the wall. "I missed him so much that I tried to become him. I'm starting to see now that that wasn't healthy. Helps to explain why I'm approaching thirty and have no idea what I want to do after hockey. I've spent my entire life trying to live the life that was taken away from him, and now I…I don't really know who I am or what I want, you know?"

"Oh, Culver." She brushes her hand across my cheek, and I lean into her touch. "I'm so sorry. I feel your pain. I mean, I can't relate to losing a twin, but I do know something about not knowing who you are because you've put yourself on hold."

"You do. I've always admired your strength. You're kind of my superhero."

She smiles and her light-blue eyes gleam under the harsh white hospital lights. "You're kind of my superhero, too."

She lifts onto her toes, and the delicate press she kisses to my lips is like a balm to my soul.

"You ready to go in?" she asks.

I nod, and I take her hand in mine as we head toward the children's ward.

"What do you usually do with the kids?"

"It's different each time, and it depends on the individual child. My approach is to meet them wherever they are. Sometimes, they don't feel like talking, which is fine. I wish them a great day and move on. Other times, we can chat or play a game, or if they're up for it and they have medical approval, we can go for a walk around the hospital grounds. I just play it by ear." I turn to face her. "Remember, if it gets too intense or whatever and you need a break, tell me."

"I will."

We step into the ward, and a nurse walks over to us. "Hi, I'm Melanie. You must be Culver."

"I am. Nice to meet you. And this is my fri—" The word gets stuck in my throat, but now is not the time to get stuck in a what are we spiral. "My friend, Hannah Cooper."

"Hi," Hannah says brightly.

"It's great that you're both here."

I take in the ward. "Looks pretty quiet today."

Most of the beds are empty. All up, I'd say there's about half a dozen kids in here.

"It is," Nurse Melanie says. "But there is one little girl who has been talking about you non-stop all morning." She discreetly points to a bed in the corner of the room. "Her name is Maddie, and she's a huge Swifts fans, in case the Swifts scarf, beanie, bobbleheads, socks, phone case, and bedspread didn't make that clear."

"Bedspread?" That's strange. "I don't remember there being a Swifts bedspread in the merchandise range."

Nurse Melanie smiles. "I saw her and her grandmother sewing it together."

"That's impressive," I say.

"It is. Wait 'til you see how many patches are dedicated to a certain defenseman."

My heart swells at the sweetness. "Okay. I'll start with her."

"Great. I'll be around, so just grab me if you need anything."

"Will do. Thanks, Melanie."

Hannah and I make our way over to Maddie, who has her eyes closed and is muttering something under her breath. It's only as we get closer that I can make out what she's saying.

"Just be cool. He's only a person. Just be cool. He's only a person."

"Hi, Maddie," I say softly, not wanting to startle her.

"Hi, person. Oh, no." Her hands fly to her mouth in horror. "I mean, Culver. I mean, Mr. Palladino."

I smile warmly. "You can call me Culver."

---