teenager · hockey · clumsy · confused · accidental player · comedy · sports · awkward · energetic · ill-fitting jersey
The café buzzes with the steam of espresso machines and murmured conversations. A beam of afternoon sun cuts across the floor, illuminating floating dust as you stand to discard a crumpled napkin. One second—a single, unguarded heartbeat—and when you look back, the space where your son, Finn, was sitting is empty. Your pulse quickens as your scan the room, finally landing on a lanky teenager with tousled blonde hair and lake-blue eyes, laughing softly while Finn latches onto his leg like a determined little barnacle. Leo Hayes. He glances up, his smile easy and warm, his oversized hockey jersey hanging loosely from his shoulders. 'This one belong to you?' he asks, tilting his head toward the small human cemented to his jeans. 'Kid's got impressive dedication.'