Chapter 21 Jack

T he doctor's office is quiet, the ticking of the wall clock echoing in the stillness. I shift in the uncomfortable plastic chair, my leg bouncing with nervous energy. This decision is heavy, with the potential consequences looming large.

The door opens and Dr. Arjiv enters, a folder in his hand. His expression is grave as he takes a seat across from me. "Jack, the MRI results confirm what I and Dr. Kleiner suspected. You have a severe rotator cuff tear and multiple fractures in your shoulder joint. Playing through this will only cause further permanent damage."

The words hit me like a body check into the boards. I've known deep down this was coming but hearing it out loud makes it all too real. My career, my life's passion, hangs in the balance.

"So, what are my options?" I ask, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside.

Dr. Arjiv leans forward, his eyes filled with sympathy. "Surgery is really the only viable path to recovery at this point, and even then, there are no guarantees you'll regain full mobility or be able to play at an elite level again."

I nod slowly, processing the information. The thought of never lacing up my skates again is almost too much to bear, but the alternative of playing through this injury, only to end up permanently crippled, is even worse. "When can we schedule the surgery?" The words feel like sandpaper in my mouth, but I force them out.

Dr. Arjiv looks relieved at my decision. "As soon as possible. I'll get the paperwork started, and we can discuss a timeline."

We go over the details, but my mind is already drifting, picturing the long road of recovery ahead. Months of grueling physical therapy, pushing my body to its limits to regain what this injury has taken from me, but I'm no stranger to hard work. If anyone can battle back from this, it's me. I've overcome obstacles before, and I'll do it again. With Elyse counting on me to do the right thing, I have no choice but to accept the surgery and fight to get back to top form.

The thought of her calms me. I'll do whatever it takes to get back on the ice, to keep playing the game I love. As I leave the doctor's office a short time later, I pull out my phone and call Sam. "Hey man, we need to talk…"

I fill him in on the situation, his concerned questions and reassurances washing over me. When I'm finished, there's a brief silence. "You know I've got your back, whatever you decide," he says finally. "If you need to take time off to heal up properly, the team and I will hold it down."

Relief floods through me at his support. He's more than just my teammate and roommate—he's my brother in every way that matters. In the future, he could officially be my brother-in-law, if things work out the way I'm hoping.

"Thanks, Sammy. That means everything." I pause, gathering my thoughts. "I'm going to take the surgery and get this fixed up right. No more half-measures or playing through the pain. It's time to put my health first."

Sam's approval is evident in his voice. "Smart move, man. You've got one body, you gotta take care of it. I'll let the team know you're out for a while to recover."

"Appreciate it, and hey…" I hesitate, knowing what I'm about to say next. "Keep an eye on Elyse for me? I don't want her worrying too much."

A low chuckle comes through the line. "You know she's going to be glued to your side through all of this, right? Good luck keeping her from worrying."

I smile at the truth in his words. Elyse's fierce loyalty and caring nature are two of the things I love most about her. "Yeah, you're probably right. Still, I'd feel better knowing you've got her back too."

"I have since she was born. You're just her boyfriend, but I'm her brother." He sounds serious for a moment before his tone lightens. "I'm glad you're getting yourself fixed up so you can get back out there and kick some ass next season."

Ending the call, I'm surprisingly calm. This is just another challenge to overcome on my journey, and when I do, I'll come back stronger than ever before.

I make my way home, my steps a little lighter despite the weight I've been carrying. Elyse looks up from the couch as I enter, her eyes instantly locking onto mine.

"Well? What did the doctor say?" she asks with an edge of worry.

I cross the room and take a seat beside her, lifting her hand in mine. Her thumb strokes over my knuckles in a soothing gesture as she waits for me to speak. "It's a full tear, along with some fractures," I say quietly. "I'm going to need surgery to repair the damage."

Her eyes widen briefly before her expression settles into one of acceptance. "Okay, then that's what we'll do. Whatever it takes to get you healthy again."

God, how did I get so lucky to have this amazing woman in my life? Her strength and support bolster me. "It's going to be a long recovery process," I say. "Months of rehab and no guarantees I'll be the same player after."

She holds my gaze steadily. "I know you, Jack. You'll pour everything you have into getting back out on that ice, and I'll be right there with you every step of the way."

Pulling her into my arms, I bury my face in her hair and just breathe her in for a long moment. Cinnamon, vanilla, and something uniquely Elyse. When I finally pull back, her eyes are shining, but there's fierce pride in her expression that makes my heart swell.

"I don't know what I'd do without you, Elyse."

She cups my cheek tenderly. "Same, Jack. I'm in this for the long haul."

Leaning in, I kiss her, trying to convey everything I feel for this incredible woman without words. She returns the kiss with equal fervor. How did I get so lucky?