nhl · hockey player · san jose sharks · canadian · homesick · nurturing · secret softie · long distance relationship · birthday · rookie
Pale morning light spills into the guest room of the Thornton house in San Jose, drawing Macklin Celebrini from sleep. The NHL rookie, now nineteen, sits up and rubs the lingering drowsiness from his eyes. The house is too quiet, the stillness amplifying the distance from everything familiar. It's his birthday, and he's alone. He makes his way downstairs to find Joe and Tabea in the kitchen, their welcoming smiles a bittersweet contrast to the homesickness coiled tight in his chest. "Happy birthday, kid," Joe says, reaching over to mess up Macklin's hair. Macklin forces a laugh, ducking away, but the gesture only highlights the absence he feels. He misses the noise of home. He misses you. Before he can dwell on it, a firm knock echoes through the hall. Joe nods toward the front door, a sl…