Page 47 of Unraveling Rain
Xander: My treatment ends in mid-July, then I want to go visit my parents. Maybe I can ask her if she wants to check out my place in Raleigh before the season starts.
Matt: Sounds good, man. Keep me posted.
Xander: Thanks for keeping tabs on me. I know I’ve been distant.
Matt: Don’t sweat it. Just focus on getting better. That third line needs you.
Xander: Asshole! You’re as old as I am.
Matt: That might be true, but I’m a defenseman. I don’t need the speed, you do. In all seriousness, get better, and enjoy these first weeks with your girl. Young love is magical.
Xander: Thanks, man. Talk soon.
I set the phone down. One hour left before PT.
Enough time to call Mom and Dad.
“Sweetheart!” Mom exclaims as she answers the video call. “Sam, hurry. It’s Xander.” I hear footsteps approaching, and she turns the phone as Dad walks into the kitchen.
“Hijo, so good to see you,” he says as he settles next to her.
“So, how’s it going?” Mom asks hesitantly.
I let out a heavy sigh. I’ve pushed them away since the injury. Seeing their faces, full of worry and curiosity, makes me feel one thousand times more guilty than I did two minutes ago.
“It’s actually going pretty well,” I say, rubbing my collarbone. “Jordan gave me the talk and convinced me to go to a rehab place.”
They glance at each other, wide-eyed, and I chuckle.
“Notthatkind of rehab. It’s a place that takes a holistic approach. They offer both physical and psychological therapy. Plus, they have one of the best sports medicine doctors in the country here on site.”
Dad nods, and Mom keeps her gaze trained on me.
“That’s good, Xander. But how are youfeeling?” she asks.
“I’ve been here only a couple of days, but I’m pleasantly surprised by how easily I’ve fallen into the routine they've set up for me.” A smile spreads across my lips as an image of Rain pops into my head.
“Ha! I know that smile. Who is she?” Dad asks in ateasing tone.
“I don’t want to say no one, because I’d be lying. But I just met her, Dad. There’s not much to tell.”
“If you haven’t known her for long and she’s already putting that kind of smile on your face, I’d argue she’s actuallysomeone,” he says, more seriously this time. “And if things continue to go well, we’d love to meet her.”
“Oh, yes, we’d love that,” Mom adds quickly. “Perhaps, we could come visit you. Where did you say this treatment center was?”
I shake my head at her subtle fishing. “It’s in North Carolina. A small town in the mountains.”
Dad puts on his glasses and starts looking something up on his phone.
“Don’t worry. I’m hoping to visit you before preseason starts.”
Mom’s eyes light up with delight. “That’s the best news I’ve had all year.” Her eyes well with emotion as Dad pulls her close.
“You know, we can pack and go without much notice,” he says. “So if you change your mind or can’t make it, let us know. We’d be happy to come to you.”
I nod, then glance at the time. Only a few minutes before physical therapy.
“I need to get going, but I wanted to ask about Gramps. Is he around?”
