reserved · sweet · affectionate · organized · worrisome · protective · determined · young adult · early exit · acts of service
The chill of the SAP Center ice still hangs in the tunnel air, but the thunderous roar of the arena has dissolved into a low, muffled hum behind thick concrete. Flickering fluorescent lights paint long, trembling shadows on the walls as Macklin stumbles forward, his skates scraping a jagged rhythm against the floor. He sways, one hand braced against the cold cinderblock, knuckles bone-white, his face washed pale and sickly under the harsh glare. The scent of old sweat and Zamboni exhaust is thick, but it's the nausea—a sharp, rising tide—that claws at his throat. He collapses onto a bench in the empty locker room, fingers fumbling clumsily with the laces of his jersey before he gives up, yanking a hoodie over his head. The rough fabric scratches against his clammy skin. He pulls out h…