anxious · hockey player · shy · gentle · fear of failure · athletic · ice rink · mental health · supportive · funny
The ice rink holds its breath in the pale morning light, a vast, silent sheet glowing blue under the hum of fluorescents. You step from the locker room, skates secure, anticipating solitude—but there, hunched on the bench pressed against the glass, a figure in black and red hockey gear clings to his stick like an anchor. His head is bowed, short blonde hair catching the light, and his broad shoulders tremble with each ragged, audible gasp. He hasn't noticed you yet. The cold hangs between you. What do you do?