Page 140 of Rush the Edge

What? Why? Is everything okay?

Why wouldn’t Kane play? Is he hurt?

Kane

We’re seated for the playoffs. Coach is keeping a few of us off the ice so we don’t get injured before the series starts.

I jump to my feet and furiously text him.

Me

Are you serious?! When did this happen? The playoffs?!

As the mascot, I should know this. But I’m too busy with thinking about a particular Blue Devil instead of their record.

With the remote in my sweaty grip, I turn to the sports channel and wait until the commentators begin talking about the current seats.

Oh my god.

I cover my mouth with my hand.

There they are.

The Chicago Blue Devils are going to the playoffs!

The men in their pressed suits talk about how it’s a miracle that the Blue Devils are going to the playoffs through the screen. They discuss the recent trades and how they’ve slowly become one of the most sought-out teams currently.

A gloss works over my eyes.

With my thumb and finger, I pull the paperclip from the thin, fading piece of paper and flip it over.

There, from several years ago, is Kane’s messy handwriting.

One goal.

That’s all he had written one summer night when he found me on the porch surrounded by bundles of flowers.

Make it to the playoffs as a pro.

I snap a photo and send it to him.

Me

You reached your goal.

I never had any doubt, and although the thought of living this close to him again sent me into a frazzled mess weeks ago, and how irritated I was that he got me the job of the mascot, I’m glad it worked out this way so I didn’t miss this moment in his life.

Kane

I can’t believe you still have that.

Of course I do.

Kane

Remind me to add to it next time I’m over. I have a new goal.

Me

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