Chapter 78

The week leading up to Sunday blurred into a haze of sweat, bruises, and ice. Training sessions grew more grueling with each day. Our rivalry with the opposing college ran deep, and the tension in the locker room was thick. But as the hours wore on, my body remembered its rhythm—each stride, each pivot, each shot flowing more seamlessly than the last. I could feel myself sharpening, aligning with the pace of the game again. The practice match on Friday went like a dream. Passes clicked. The defense held strong. I scored twice, and even Coach cracked a proud smile. Our team felt invincible, buzzing with adrenaline and confidence. We were ready for victory. Then Sunday came. The arena pulsed with energy, packed with students, faculty, and fans waving banners and chanting. The cold bite of the ice beneath my skates lit something electric in my blood. From the moment the puck dropped, it was a battle. The rival team came at us hard—fast, aggressive, ruthless—but we held our ground. Every t