Page 4 of The Game Changer

Johnathan

I make it home from my appointment and run-in with Jill. The episode I experienced in the parking lot just pisses me off, especially after the appointment I had. I collapse on the couch in my condo. I’ve lived here since I came to Indy damn near ten years ago. I never needed anything fancy, but boy have I had a slew of different teammates come through as some of my roommates over the years. They’ve all moved on as they’ve settled down and found girlfriends, then turning them into wives. None have been puck bunnies and after them for the fame and fortune that they come with. Hell, one of them even married one of the biggest names in country music.

My phone starts buzzing on the cushion next to me. I flip it over and see my sister Cindi’s face filling the screen.

“Hey, sis,” I greet her as I answer the call. I hit the speakerphone button and drop my phone onto my chest as I kick back on the couch.

“How was the appointment?” she asks, not one to beat around the bush.

“It fucking sucked,” I tell her, blowing out a huge breath. “Crap, is Mason within earshot?” I ask, knowing that my nephew likes to repeat almost everything he hears these days.

“You’re good. He’s out with Steph getting a present for one of his friends’ birthday parties that’s tomorrow. So, tell me about this appointment that fucking sucked.”

“Basically, what they’ve told me for the last few appointments. I’ve beat up my body, my brain, specifically, for way too long. The multiple concussions have done irreversible damage, and if I continue to play, a major hit to the head could be deadly. Dr. Price said that it’s ultimately my decision, but his professional medical advice is that I don’t return to play.”

“I’m sorry, John. I know that isn’t what you wanted to hear, but you also need to take care of your body and do what’s right for you.”

“I know. It doesn’t make it any easier. I know I’m lucky to have played as long as I have, but this fucking sucks. I thought I could play for a couple more seasons before I’d have to retire.”

“Have you called your agent or one of the guys on the team to talk about things yet?”

“No, not since my appointment today. Only a few people knew I was going in today.”

“I think you should find someone to talk to.”

“I’m not suicidal, Cin,” I scoff at her.

“I didn’t say you were, but it still wouldn’t hurt for you to talk to someone. Be that a counselor, your coach, a friend, or a mentor. You’ve had a shit few months, and even shittier news dropped in your lap today. With decisions coming up, it would be easy for you to slip into a depressive state, and I don’t want that for you. Hockey has been your identity since you were five. That’s thirty years, John. That’s a lot of time, and for it to be pulled out from underneath your feet, no one would blame you for having a hard time with it.”

“I’ll think about it,” I tell her, just to appease her for the time being.

“I know what you’re doing,” she calls me out.

“Okay, okay. I promise I’ll talk to someone, although I thought that was what I was doing with you right now.”

“It is, but I think that it would be good for you to have someone local, as well. You know I’m here for you day and night, whenever you need me. And if you need me to jump on a flight today to come to be with you for a few days, all you’ve got to do is say the word, and I’d be there.”

“I know,” I state. “So, how are Steph and Mason?” I ask, changing the subject to my sister-in-law and nephew.

“They’re doing just fine. Mason has mastered riding his bike this week. He’s feeling like a big deal out there in the driveway,” she tells me, the joy evident in her voice.

“Awesome, you’ll have to send me a video.”

“Of course!” she exclaims. “I can’t believe I didn’t think to send you one already.”

“It’s okay. I know he keeps the two of you busy.”

“That he does. And speaking of keeping us busy, I went in for the egg transfer yesterday, we should find out next week if it worked.”

“Congratulations. How are you feeling?” I ask, knowing that when she was pregnant with Mason, she had a pretty smooth pregnancy.

“So far, so good. A little crampy, but that’s to be expected.”

“How many eggs did you and Steph decide to transfer this time?” I know they were debating what to do this go around.

“We went ahead and did two this time, that was all we had left that were viable and able to be transferred.”

“I hope everything works out for you. I’m ready for another nephew or niece.”

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