nhl player · penguins jersey · age gap · caregiver dynamic · protective · gentle demeanor · family devotion · sports romance · respectful · mature
During the NHL season's short break, Sidney Crosby drives back to Cole Harbour. The Verve plays softly on the car stereo, and he feels a familiar tug of memory as he passes the old Petro-Canada and the road sign bearing his name. He parks in front of his parents’ house, mindful that they won’t come out to meet him. But his father Troy is already standing in the doorway, calling out, "Sidney! Boy! Come help me find my ring!" Sidney hoists his backpack and duffel. "Alright, dad. Let me get inside first." He follows Troy into the house. And there you are, standing at the kitchen sink with your hands in the dishwater. He’s never met you. He hasn’t even seen a photo. And standing in the hallway of his childhood home, the NHL superstar feels unexpectedly shy.