“And the Summer Was Over”

The Hit

The atmosphere of the rink was the same that day as it has always been.  The feeling of relaxation spread through me, slowing my pace as I made my way to the locker room.  Sounds of laughs and jokes coming from my team could be heard by a good portion of the spectators.  I inhaled the familiar scent of old sweat I had become accustomed to after a lifetime of days just like this one.  

The zamboni glided at a leisurely pace down the ice while I stared at the fresh sheet awaiting gametime.  The stench of sweat filled the damp room as my head was consumed with hopeful outcomes.  The reiteration of composure and positivity voiced from my coaches reminding me why I gave my life to this game.  Every time I took the ice a sense of fearlessness came about me.

I felt the brisk air strike my cheeks as I began to skate around the rink.  The opponent was of no relevance, what mattered was my team, my responsibility, and the expectations I had for myself.  My mind was stripped of all outside thoughts as the puck was dropped.  I loved the feeling of gaining that slight lead in a one on one battle, and the sense of pride inside when I could hear my mom cheering the loudest from the stands.  Such small moments that become so important to you as you become conscious enough to realize, but forget in such a big world.  

The ice had shifted, four defending five in favor of my team.  It was an opportunity to gain a slight lead, but a short period that would strike fear in my mind.  I would visit a place I had never been before, but one I had heard to be challenging.  The clock continued to tick down 39 then 38.  The advantage would soon be an afterthought.  

A sudden force took over me and my complete control was lost.  The back of my helmet struck the ice like a bolt would strike the sky.  I now lay face up staring at the ceiling of a building so unfamiliar to me and so bland.  The voices that surrounded me silenced as I laid still and the play around continued. The hopeful thoughts I once had now turned to fear.    

The dark vision of life that had been described to me was nothing like I had thought up; it was unfamiliar and new.  The voices disappeared and confusion paused all thoughts.  I had no idea what just happened as I lay there without movement.  The expectations I had of myself were all forgotten.

A blur of faces appeared standing over me as I tried to lift myself.  The atmosphere around me had become so heavy and unclear as I made my way to the bench.  The voices of concern surrounding me were quaint and little in my vulnerable state.  I replied in ways that were vague because I felt nothing, something I had never experienced before.  My pain was silenced by the adrenaline of intense competition that lay ahead.

Victory continued to ease the unseen pain that would soon become apparent.  Checks of reality began to cross over me as I thought I was walking away from a small bruise, but soon noticed what had just happened.  The feeling of fear took over me leaving me scared for what lay ahead.  I now would appreciate such opportunities, and cherish such prideful moments that seemed so small, but when taken away they flourish so big.  Never take happiness for granted because what is once happiness can so quickly be the one thing that makes you unhappy.    

And the season stopped dead.