My assailant's grip tightens around my wrist, dragging me further into the darkness of my apartment. He kicks the door shut behind us as we go. Unmitigated panic surges through my veins as I struggle desperately against the relentless force. Again and again, I attempt to rip my attacker's hand off o

Aiden winces as he adjusts himself on the uncomfortable hospital bed. The doctors have put his foot in a bulky cast now. I sit beside him, my hands fidgeting uncontrollably as waves of concern wash over me. “How are you feeling?” I ask softly. I reach out a hand to take his, but I hesitate. I can’

I can’t help but feel touched despite their clumsy delivery. Their awkwardness and stilted conversation with Aiden betray their genuine concern for him. It warms my heart to see them come to their teammate’s side in his time of need. One evening, Aiden is admitted to the hospital, his childhood

The moment I step into the locker room, I’m struck by the heavy atmosphere in the air. The usual banter and camaraderie of the pre-game space is completely absent. Instead, there is a palpable sense of unease. As expected, morale in the room is low. For a moment, I feel a pang of awkwardness at en

“You are the Statford Freeze, with or without Aiden,” I remind them. “You’ve risen to fame. You’ve made it to the semifinals. Has all of that growth been for nothing?” I hear a quiet chorus of “no” in response to my words. A passionate smile pulls at my lips. “Then show them,” I challenge. “Show