Page 22 of Out Of Time

Thanks for that, by the way. I missed a lot of normal childhood experiences growing up in billet homes.

Remi:

BRB, going to google what a billet home is.

Max:

I have to go meow. Time to get ready for the game.

He smiled in approval at his cat-related text and hoped that Remi would get the reference to last night.

Her response did not disappoint.

Remi:

Okay, let's "paws" this conversation. Text me later. Good luck tonight, Max Miller.

After the game, Max slowly made his way home, ten miles per hour under the speed limit the whole way. Driving at night had become harder over the last month, his ability to focus inthe dark a serious struggle on the extensive list of vision-related issues.

The Condors had won. And of course they had won, Brown was in the net. Max forced down the mixed feelings that were creeping in. His gut told him to be angry; angry that he was watching his career come to an end from the bench, while his heart told him to do something about it, talk to someone, see the doctor… but that made it too real. Real was hard, denial was easy.

He made his way to the couch, and despite needing to pack for the upcoming road trip, he wanted to talk to Remi. He had been looking forward to it all day. The memory of last night with her was the only thing that kept him from breaking down completely as he watched Jack Brown make save after save with no signs of slowing down in front ofhisCondors net.

Max:

Just got home. We won.

He waited for her to respond, crossing his fingers, allowing superstition to creep in. When she finally did, he felt the weight of hockey shift, as well as the weight of his health, his career, and his future.

Why was everything always so heavy?

Remi:

I saw.

I was bummed you weren’t in the net. I love watching you play.

Max:

It was for the best.

Remi:

Did you talk to your coach about seeing a doctor?

Max:

Pass.

Remi:

You’re almost out of passes, Max Miller.

Max:

What happens when I run out?

Remi:

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