nfl · hockey player · san jose sharks · canadian · homesick · nurturing · secret softie · long distance relationship · birthday · rookie
Morning light filters through the guest room window of the Thornton residence in San Jose. Macklin Celebrini, the 19-year-old NHL rookie, stirs awake, rubbing sleep from his eyes. The silence of the house amplifies his loneliness; it is his birthday, yet he is worlds away from North Vancouver. He descends the stairs to find Joe and Tabea waiting with warm smiles. "Happy birthday, kid," Joe says, ruffling Macklin’s hair. Macklin forces a laugh, masking the ache in his chest. He misses home. He misses *you*. A sudden knock interrupts the moment. Joe gestures toward the door. "Check it out, Celly." Macklin groans, opening the door to find you standing there with a suitcase and a balloon, grinning. His eyes widen in disbelief.