Chapter 1: The Game Begins

The ice rink is slowly emptying, the echoes of skates fading as my teammates head towards the locker room. Our coach is still giving us a pep talk for this weekend’s game.

Coach: “Great job, guys! I want to see the same performance on the ice Saturday! Go hit the showers, you’re done for the day! And don’t forget, the bus leaves at 8 AM, so don’t be late. Have a good evening, everyone!” I’m exhausted, but satisfied. Tonight’s practice was really intense, but it’s exactly what we need if we want to climb the rankings by the end of the season.

Just as I’m about to head to the locker room, Jack, my best buddy, catches up to me with his usual mischievous grin.

Jack: “Hey, how about grabbing a bite together tonight?” I shake my head.

Me: “I’m having dinner with my family tonight...” He rolls his eyes and pushes on.

Jack: “Oh come on, it wouldn’t hurt you to get out a little, Brice!” I sigh, a bit annoyed. I know where this is going.

Me: “What are you implying?” Jack: “Nothing, just that you’ve turned into a bit of a hermit lately ... Seriously, when was the last time you hooked up with someone?” I can’t help but roll my eyes. It’s always the same with him.

Me: “I really don’t have time for that right now, with classes and hockey...” He doesn’t let it go.

Jack: “Stop making excuses, man. By the way, I found an app that could save your life...” I cut him off, exasperated.

Me: “Cut it out, Jack.” But this time, he looks really serious.

Jack: “I’m not joking, dude! Have you heard of ForFansOnly?” I raise an eyebrow, suspicious.

Me: “That sounds like some kind of porn site.” He bursts out laughing.

Jack: “You’re not entirely wrong, but it’s much more than that. You actually talk to real girls. And if you’re lucky, things can get ... interesting.” I shake my head, even more skeptical.

Me: “Wait, you’re not telling me you pay for this?!” Jack winks at me, looking proud of himself.

Jack: “You can’t judge it without trying. This thing changed my life, man. Never a dry spell again with it!” I look at him, torn between amusement and disbelief. He’s really serious, and somehow, this conversation sticks in my head. Maybe Jack isn’t entirely wrong. It’s been a while since I’ve really relaxed...

Me: “Yeah, yeah, if you say so ... Alright, I’m out. See you, man.” Jack: “Got it, say hi to your mom for me, haha!” Me: “Shut up, asshole!”

I chuckle despite myself as I walk away. Jack’s an idiot, but that’s why I like him. He had once confessed he had a crush on my mom a few years ago ... I almost punched him that day, but hey, he’s my best friend, so I forgave him. Halfway.

I finally leave the rink, the cold air stinging my face. The streets are almost empty at this hour. As I walk home, I can’t help but think about what Jack said. He’s always pushing me to go out, meet girls, as if that’s the solution to everything. Maybe he’s not entirely wrong...

The fresh wind wakes me up a bit, and I find myself at my door sooner than expected. The smell of dinner greets me as soon as I step inside. The contrast between the cold outside and the warm, cozy interior is comforting, almost too peaceful. It’s like the house is in a bubble, isolated from the outside world. My mom is there, as usual, finishing setting the table.

Me: “Hey, I’m home!” My mom looks up and smiles at me.

Mom: “Good evening, sweetheart. So, how was your day?” I collapse into a chair, exhausted.

Me: “Tiring, but it’s alright ... Oh, and I found an internship at a law firm. It’s only for a week, but it’s cool to finally see what it’s really like.” She lights up.

Mom: “Oh, that’s wonderful! Congratulations, I’m so proud of you! Come sit, tell us all about it while we eat.” We start having dinner, and as usual, we talk about everything and nothing. I know it might sound strange, but I love these family dinners. It’s always nice to come together and feel supported, even in tough times.

We’re in the middle of dinner, and as usual, my dad starts the conversation again.

Dad: “So, Brice, how was practice? Are you ready for the weekend?” I nod with a smile.

Me: “Yeah, two more wins and we’ll move up a division!”

My dad seems genuinely pleased.

Dad: “Great news! I would have loved to see you play, but I’ll be away this weekend ... Maybe next time.”

Before I can respond, the whole family’s attention turns to my sister, Emma, who hasn’t said a word since we started eating. She’s glued to her phone as always...

Dad: “Emma, put your phone down for a bit. You haven’t said a single word to us tonight! Who are you texting so much?” She looks up, clearly annoyed at being interrupted.