Page 108 of Wrong Pucking Player

She noticed that?

“I was going to have a discussion with Dr. Francisco about our way of approach to this and make a holistic plan for Armani on the ice and before and after gameplay care that will ensure he can perform accurately without the increased risk of harm. We don’t want him passing out on the ice and worrying the fans, let alone putting his health at obvious risk. That starts with emphasizing to the team that the moment the game is done, Armani should be back in the locker room, chugging away a bottle of Gatorade.

“I’m testing out combinations with the help of Caren on the sidelines, but we’ll end up making a Gatorade cocktail that replenishes his vital electrolytes and give him the boost he needs, so if there are any conferences or interviews afterward, he’ll be able to change and do so without pushing himself.”

I have nothing to say because I’m that impressed.

“The cocktails have already been approved by Dr. Francisco, but I’ll be testing them out through the rest of the week with Armani before the game to ensure it makes a difference. They have a quick reaction time, but it’ll be slow for the first one,” she admits and finally looks at me. “Armani?”

“Hmm?”

“How are you feeling?”

I stare at her for what feels like a minute because I want to take the time to assess how I actually feel. In comparison to the sluggish heaviness in my muscles when I was confronted by Jayce, I don’t feel as bad now. The fogginess in my mind is also fading away, making me feel a lot more alert than a few minutes ago.

“I think your cocktail shit is working,” I finally answer. “I can think clearer than before, and my muscles don’t feel as sluggish and weighed down either.”

“Good.” She smiles at the news. “We’ll work on it,” she assures me and looks at Coach Johnson. “So I need you to talk to the team today regarding this. I also don’t want anyone making fun of Armani over this condition. Him pushing himself on the ice to ensure his performance is top tier will lead to this ongoing diagnosis, but we’ll make multiple plans to ensure it doesn’t affect Armani or the team negatively,” she concludes. “Is that feasible, Coach Johnson?”

“Most certainly, Nurse Andrews. I’ll go speak to them now before they depart.” He looks back at me. “Try to rest up, Armani. If you need a late start tomorrow, just let me know, and we’ll arrange for Xander to sub in for the first part of practice.”

“That would be appreciated, Coach.”

I wouldn’t mind sleeping in for once.

“Much appreciated, Coach Johnson.” Andrews bows her head slightly in thanks. “Thank you for taking me seriously.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Coach Johnson counters. “You know your shit, Andrews. You wouldn’t mention it if it wasn’t important. Ignoring or even questioning your concern for one of my players would not only be a disservice to the team but negligence on my end as a coach. Please don’t hesitate to point things out with any of the players. If they cause you problems or are stubborn about it, just let me know.”

“Understood, Coach,” Andrews declares.

Coach Johnson nods and gives me one last look.

“If you can, keep the team posted on how you’re feeling for a few hours. You can message them in the group chat if anything.”

“Sure.” I close my eyes as the tension in my body begins to ooze away. I hadn’t comprehended how tense I was. It’s not like I’m frightened about medical procedures or assessments, but I wouldn’t lie and say I wasn’t worried about my health a few minutes ago.

I thought I was going to die or something.

I’ve only had a few close calls in life, but the most frightening was when a group of boys pushed me off a cliff into the ocean. It was during a family vacation, and I was just trying to find my brother.One thing led to another, and then I was falling and crashing into the deep waters.

No one grasps how frightening it is to drown in a body of water.

The panic.

The chilled frost that creeps into every inch of you, even as you fight to reach the surface, which gets farther and farther away.

The realization that no matter what you do, your chance of survival is on a ticking time bomb.

Tick. Tock.

Until your body grows still.

Your lungs fill with water.

All that’s left is to feel your body from the inside fill with the ever-flowing substance.

Until there’s not an inch left within your body to fill.

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