My Sharkies 🦈

September 19th, 2013

The afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the backyard of the Hughes family home. The scent of fresh grass filled the air as birds chirped from the trees, and the sound of laughter echoed from the swing set. It was one of those warm spring days that felt like it would never end—one of those days where everything seemed possible.

In the middle of it all, 6-year-old Gemma was running around with her arms outstretched like a plane, her pigtails bouncing with each step. Her little face was alive with excitement, the kind of excitement only a child could feel on a perfect afternoon. Will sat lazily in a chair with a comic book, the pages turning slowly as he tried to escape the madness of his younger sister’s antics. Grace, stood off to the side, determinedly holding the ends of a jump rope.

“Okay, Gem,” Grace said, adjusting her grip on the rope. “You ready to try again?”

Gemma stopped her running and bounced in place. She was full of energy but also full of nerves. She had been trying to jump rope for what felt like hours, but the rope kept tripping her up. It was harder than it looked, and the pressure of her older sister watching didn’t help. Still, Gemma was determined.

“I don’t know if I can do it,” she mumbled, biting her lip as she stood still, staring at the rope that swung in front of her.

Grace rolled her eyes playfully, always the patient one when it came to teaching her younger sister. “You’ve got this. Just focus.”

Will, lounging in the chair, finally looked up from his comic book and smirked. “Come on, Gemma. Just jump. I could do this in my sleep,” he teased, leaning back, arms crossed. “I bet I could jump rope with my eyes closed, no problem.”

Gemma shot him a skeptical look. “Yeah right. You probably trip over it every time you try.”

Will grinned, unbothered. “Did not. You’re just jealous I’m better at it.”

Gemma pouted. “No way. I’m gonna get it first try. Watch.”

“Alright, alright,” Grace said, rolling her eyes with a grin. “Here comes the rope, Gem. You ready?”

With a determined nod, Gemma stood up straight, watching the rope as Grace began to swing it in front of her. The rhythm was steady, slow at first, giving Gemma the chance to time her jump. But as the rope came closer, Gemma’s nerves got the best of her. She hesitated for a split second and then, in one awkward motion, tried to jump… but instead, she got caught right in the rope.

“Ah!” she squealed, the rope wrapping around her ankles. She tumbled forward slightly and then quickly stood up, rubbing her legs as she giggled despite her frustration. “Ow! I almost had it!”

Will chuckled from his seat, clearly amused. “I told you, it’s not as easy as it looks.”

Grace, ever the patient older sister, stopped swinging the rope. She took a step toward Gemma and ruffled her hair. “It’s okay, Gem. You’re getting there. Just focus.”

Gemma stood still for a moment, the pout forming on her lips as she crossed her arms in frustration. She wasn’t ready to give up, but she also didn’t want to keep failing in front of her older siblings.

Will sighed dramatically and set his comic book down. He got up and walked over to her, crouching down so he was at eye level. “Hey,” he said softly, “look at me.”

Gemma reluctantly met his eyes, still pouting but a little comforted by his attention.

“You got this,” Will said with a grin. “All you have to do is believe. And don’t think about it too hard. Just do it.”

Gemma’s eyes brightened a little. She nodded slowly. “Okay, okay. I can do this.”

“Good,” Will said, giving her a quick high five before stepping back.

Grace got back into position, ready to swing the rope again. This time, Gemma was determined. She stood up straighter, a little more focused, and as the rope swung toward her, she jumped. This time, she didn’t hesitate. She jumped at just the right moment and landed lightly on her feet, not getting tangled in the rope.

“I did it!” Gemma cried, jumping up and down with excitement. Her face lit up with pride as she turned to look at Will and Grace.

Grace let out a triumphant cheer, clapping her hands. “Yes, Gemma! I knew you could do it!”

Will smiled, his arms crossed. “Told you you could. All it took was a little confidence.”

Gemma rushed over to him, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. “Thank you, Will!” she exclaimed. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Will laughed and patted her head, playfully messing up her hair. “Yeah, yeah. You’re welcome. Just don’t forget who helped you out, okay?”

“I won’t!” Gemma promised, grinning from ear to ear.

Grace swung the rope a few more times, allowing Gemma to practice. Will, content with watching from the sidelines, leaned back against a tree and pulled his comic book back out. He smiled to himself, feeling a sense of peace that only came from moments like this—quiet, simple, and perfect in their own way.

December 21st, 2023

Gemma Smith walked into the physiotherapy room, her shoulder still a little stiff but steadily improving. It had been six weeks since the injury—six long weeks where she’d been stuck on the sidelines, watching her teammates battle it out on the ice while she could barely hold a stick in her hand.

Today, she had an appointment with **Rachel**, the USNTDP team’s physiotherapist. It was early morning, and she could hear the rumble of skates hitting the ice in the distance—**practice** was starting, and Gemma was stuck in the clinic for her session.

“Hey, Gemma,” Rachel greeted her, looking up from the notebook she’d been writing in as Gemma walked into the room. “How are you feeling?”

“Better,” Gemma replied, rolling her shoulder slightly. “Still not 100%, but it’s getting there. I’ve been doing all the exercises you gave me.”

Rachel smiled. “I can tell. Your range of motion is improving, and the muscle strength looks much better than last week. You’ve been diligent with the recovery, so it’s paying off.”

Gemma nodded. The work wasn’t easy, but she had pushed through. It felt like the whole team was moving forward without her, and she couldn’t wait to rejoin them.

Rachel continued, “Let’s do a few tests to see how it’s holding up today. I’ll have you do a few shoulder stability drills. If everything looks good, we might be able to take the next step.”

Gemma took a deep breath, trying to ignore the bubbling anticipation rising in her chest. She wanted this—she wanted to get back to the game she loved. The moment she stepped on the ice again, she would know she was fully healed.

After a few minutes of stretching and movement tests, Rachel seemed satisfied. “Okay,” she said, putting her hands on her hips and looking at Gemma. “You’re in good shape. The muscles around the shoulder are responding well. I’d say you’re ready to start light participation in practice today.”

Gemma’s eyes widened, her heart skipped a beat. “Wait… you mean… I can actually skate?”

Rachel grinned. “Yes, but I want you to take it easy. No contact, no hard drills. We’ll start you off with just skating—no shooting or heavy puck work yet. But this is a good sign. You’re officially cleared for practice.”

Gemma couldn’t help the rush of excitement that surged through her. Six weeks. **Six weeks** of rehab, of waiting, of uncertainty, and now she was being told she could get back to it.

She laughed softly, shaking her head. “I didn’t think I’d ever get this news.”

“I know it’s been a long road,” Rachel said sympathetically. “But it’ll be worth it. Just don’t push yourself too hard today. We’re taking this step by step.”

Gemma took a deep breath, the reality of it settling in. She could finally rejoin her teammates on the ice, even if just for a light skate to start.

“Thanks, Rachel,” Gemma said, her voice full of relief. “I won’t go crazy, promise.”

Rachel smiled and nodded. “Good. Now, go get ready. I’m sure your teammates will be thrilled to see you back out there.”

Gemma walked out of the room, a huge grin spreading across her face. The locker room was just down the hall, and she could already hear the voices of her teammates warming up for practice. She felt a new surge of energy, knowing that in just a few minutes, she’d be skating alongside them again, even if it was at a slower pace than she wanted.

As she walked into the locker room, she saw James Hagens lacing up his skates, looking up as she entered. His face lit up when he saw her.

“Hey, Smith,” he greeted, pushing himself up off the bench. “How’s the shoulder?”

“I’m getting back on the ice today,” Gemma said, practically glowing. “Rachel said I can participate, but just skating for now.”

James raised his eyebrows, his lips curving into a smile. “That’s awesome. You’ve worked so hard for this.”

Gemma laughed, slipping on her gloves. “Yeah, I’m just happy I don’t have to watch from the bench anymore.”

“I’m sure your legs will be a little rusty at first, but you’ll be back at it in no time,” he added, giving her a light tap on the shoulder.

Gemma gave him a smile, feeling a little less anxious now that James was there, offering his support. She was ready to take this first step back onto the ice, even if it was a cautious one.

As the coach called the team to the rink, Gemma followed the others onto the ice, feeling the familiar cold air fill her lungs. The sound of skates on the ice was like music to her ears, and even though she was still holding back, it felt like home. She couldn’t wait to feel the freedom of the game again, but for now, this was enough.

She was back.

Back with the team!

Gemma Smith stood at the edge of the rink, feeling the familiar chill of the arena seep into her skin. Her skates were laced tightly, the ice gleaming in front of her. It had been six weeks since her injury, six weeks of waiting, rehabbing, and watching the guys practice while she sat on the sidelines. Today was different—today, she was back.

Her teammates were already on the ice, getting into position for warm-ups. The sounds of blades carving through the ice, sticks tapping, and the occasional shout to a teammate filled the air. Gemma took a deep breath. She was nervous, but excited too. Today wasn’t a full practice—just skating, easing back into the motion of it all.Rachel, the team physiotherapist, had told her to take it slow. No contact. No pushing it.

As she stepped onto the ice, the cold bite of it felt like home. Her body remembered the rhythm of skating, the push of her legs, the glide of her skates. But it was different this time—slower, more cautious. Her shoulder still felt stiff, but with each stride, it loosened just a bit.

“Looking good, Smith!”

Gemma glanced over to see James Hagens skating toward her with a grin, his arms outstretched like he was expecting a high-five. He fell into step beside her, matching her pace.

“Thanks,” Gemma said with a tight smile, feeling her nerves settle a bit. She shifted her weight, testing her shoulder. “It feels weird to be out here again.”

“Not weird, just… slow,” James teased, a laugh in his voice. “But hey, no one’s gonna rush you. We’ve got all the time you need.”

“I appreciate that,” she replied, grateful for the ease in his voice. Being the only girl on a team of guys was sometimes intimidating, but they always made her feel like one of them. Even today, when she wasn’t at full strength, they were adjusting their pace for her.

As they skated slowly around the rink, Brodie, one of the other forwards on the team, slid up beside them, gliding smoothly across the ice.

“Taking it easy, huh?” Brodie asked with a smile. “We can slow it down for you. No problem.”

Gemma chuckled, shaking her head. “It’s not that. I’m just trying to figure out how to get my legs back under me without pushing too hard.”

“You don’t need to worry about pushing yourself today,” Brodie reassured her. “Just focus on getting comfortable.”

The guys all seemed to take it seriously. No one was in a rush. No one was racing ahead, leaving her behind. It was like they had made an unspoken pact to match her pace, making sure she didn’t feel out of place.

Gemma felt a lump in her throat, her emotions shifting. It wasn’t just the skating, or the physical recovery—it was the kindness, the way they were taking care of her without even thinking about it. She was the only girl on a team full of guys, and sometimes that felt like it came with a lot of pressure to prove herself. But today? Today, they were treating her like she belonged.

“Alright, I think we’re ready for a drill,” Coach called from the bench, snapping Gemma out of her thoughts.

Gemma swallowed and nodded, taking a deep breath. “Alright, let’s go,” she said, feeling a burst of confidence.

The team moved into position, but they made sure to stay at a pace that she could manage.Brodie passed her the puck gently, just enough to let her get a feel for the stick again. She fumbled a little with the puck, her muscles still adjusting, but James was right there, waiting for her, not letting the play go too far before checking in.

“You good?” James asked quietly, keeping his voice casual.

“Yeah,” she said, trying not to sound too unsure. “I’m good. Just need to shake off the rust.”

“You’re doing fine,” he said with a reassuring smile. “We’ll keep it slow. No pressure.”

And that’s exactly how the practice went. The team was careful with her, making sure that she wasn’t left behind but also not pushing her too hard.Brodie kept sending soft passes her way, letting her get a feel for the puck. James stayed beside her, giving her a small nudge of encouragement each time she took a shot or made a pass.

By the end of the practice, Gemma was tired but felt a little more like herself. The shoulder still ached, but it was bearable. Her movements weren’t perfect, but they were getting there.

As the team skated off the ice, James skated next to her, his expression soft. “You good?”

Gemma nodded, a little breathless. “Yeah. I feel a lot better, actually.”

“Good,” James said with a smile. “We’ll get you back to full speed in no time.”

Gemma smiled back, feeling a weight lift off her chest. It wasn’t just the physical recovery—it was the emotional one too. She wasn’t alone in this. The guys, her teammates, were all there for her, making sure she didn’t have to rush or feel like she was being left behind.

December 1st, 2023

Gemma stood at the edge of the rink, her skates laced tight and the cool Michigan air cutting through the arena. She could hear the faint echoes of skates carving into ice, the sound of pucks hitting boards, and the distant calls of her teammates as they worked through drills. But none of that mattered right now.

Today was about her.

Her shoulder, still healing, felt strange with the absence of the sling. She hadn’t felt the cold bite of the ice beneath her in weeks, hadn’t felt the familiar rhythm of her body moving with the flow of the game. The thought of it both exhilarated and terrified her.

Rachel, the physiotherapist, had given her the go-ahead earlier that day—she could start skating again. But there were strict conditions: a no-contact jersey, no fast turns, no pushing herself. Just get back in the flow.

Gemma’s breath quickened with anticipation as she stepped forward and onto the ice. The moment her skate connected with the cold surface, she almost sighed in relief. The familiarity was soothing, like slipping back into something you thought you lost forever. Her body naturally wanted to glide, but she held herself back, moving at a slow pace as she got a feel for the ice under her.

She skated a few laps, light on her feet, testing her balance, testing her shoulder. The first few pushes felt heavy, her movements a little stilted, but they grew easier. She could already feel the weight lifting off her shoulder, the tightness starting to loosen with every controlled glide.

“Not bad, Smith!” came a voice from across the rink.

Gemma glanced over her shoulder to see **James Hagens** leaning against the boards, watching her. He wore a smile, his arms crossed but his eyes filled with an unspoken understanding. His presence was comforting—steady, calm, just like he always was.

“Easy there, Hagens,” she called back with a grin, trying to cover up the nervousness creeping up her spine. “I’m just warming up.”James chuckled. “Don’t push it.Rachel will have your head if you go too hard.”

Gemma nodded, adjusting her stride. She kept the pace steady, focusing on the motion, not the speed. Slowly, her confidence started to grow. With each lap, the ice felt more like home again. Her shoulder didn’t feel as tight, and the deep ache she’d been carrying for weeks had dulled to a quiet reminder.

She tried a few gentle crossovers, testing the shoulder’s mobility with cautious precision. The first one made her wince, the second less so, and by the third, it was as fluid as it had been before the injury. She grinned, feeling her chest loosen.

James skated up to her, his usual playful smirk on his face. “How’s it feel?”

“Better than I expected,” she admitted, not bothering to hide the small spark of joy in her voice. “I thought I’d feel… stiffer, you know? But I think I’m good.”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Don’t get too cocky. You’re still in the ‘take it easy’ phase.”

Gemma chuckled but slowed her pace anyway, nodding in agreement. “Yeah, yeah. I know.”

She pushed off the boards and glided around the rink again, her movements becoming more natural as she got into a rhythm. The more she skated, the more she could feel herself coming back to life. It wasn’t the high-speed, full-intensity game she loved, but it was enough.

The fresh air from the rink felt like a new beginning. She still had a long road ahead of her, but this was the first step. And for the first time since the injury, she felt like she could see the finish line.

As she passed by James again, she gave him a sideways glance. “Guess I’m not as rusty as I thought.

James smiled, pushing off the boards to skate beside her. “Told you. You’ve got this. Just don’t overdo it.”

“I won’t,” she promised, feeling the weight of her words. She wasn’t going to rush. She’d waited too long for this moment to mess it up now.

November 20th, 2023

Gemma pulled into the USNTDP facility early in the morning, the cold Michigan air biting at her face as she stepped out of her car. She had been in Michigan for a few weeks now, recuperating in the quiet of her apartment, but today was a big day—her first physio session after the injury that had sidelined her for what felt like forever.

The comfort of her room had been great for rest, but now it was time to get back to work. She was finally ready to take the next step in her recovery.

Rachel, the team’s physiotherapist, was waiting for her as she entered the facility, a calm smile on her face as she led Gemma to one of the treatment rooms.

“How’s the shoulder feeling today?” Rachel asked as they sat down.

“Better, I think,” Gemma said, shifting uncomfortably. She reached up and adjusted the sling she’d been wearing for weeks. “I’m ready to get out of this thing.” Her voice carried a note of hope.

Rachel nodded, checking the notes on her clipboard. “We’re definitely making progress, but we’ll take it slow. I want to ease you out of the sling and see how your shoulder responds. We’ll start with some mobility exercises and see where we’re at from there.”

Gemma exhaled, trying to calm the nervous energy bubbling in her chest. “Okay, I’m ready.”

The session began with gentle stretches. Rachel moved Gemma’s arm through a series of controlled motions, watching closely for any signs of discomfort. At first, Gemma’s shoulder felt tight, the muscles still not used to working after the time off. There was a lingering ache in the joint, but it wasn’t unbearable.

“You’re doing great,” Rachel encouraged. “How does that feel?”

“Good,” Gemma said, wincing slightly as she reached her arm overhead. “It’s stiff, but it’s not sharp. More like… a dull ache.”

“Perfect,” Rachel said with a smile. “We’re going to build on that. Let’s move into a few simple exercises. I want to see how your shoulder handles some weight.”

Gemma nodded, silently bracing herself. She trusted Rachel, but it was still a little scary to think about using her arm again.

The first exercise was simple—raising her arm slowly, keeping the motion controlled. The first few attempts felt strange, as if her arm wasn’t entirely hers. But then, slowly, the muscles started to cooperate. It was stiff, but there was no sharp pain, just that deep ache she’d grown accustomed to.

After a few more exercises, Rachel gave her a thumbs up. “You’re doing great. We’re going to try something new now. I’m going to have you take the sling off for a little while and see how your arm feels. We’ll test it with some light movements.”

Gemma hesitated. “Are you sure? I mean, I’m not really used to moving it like this…”

Rachel smiled reassuringly. “You’re doing great, Gemma. It’s time to take the next step.”

Gemma carefully slipped the sling off, feeling a strange mix of relief and fear. Her arm hung loosely by her side, and though it felt light, it also felt vulnerable. The freedom of not having the sling was oddly unsettling, but she trusted Rachel to guide her through it.

“Okay,” Rachel said. “Let’s try gently swinging your arm in front of you and behind you. Nothing too crazy.”

Gemma followed Rachel’s instructions, the movement stiff but improving with each try. It wasn’t easy—her shoulder still felt weak, but there was something about the lightness of having the sling off that gave her a sense of hope.

After about an hour of stretches, light exercises, and range-of-motion work, Rachel gave her the all-clear. “You’re doing really well, Gemma. We’ll continue like this for a few days, and then we can start working on strength.”

Gemma was relieved, though a little sore. “Thanks, Rachel. I feel like I’m actually making progress.”

“You are,” Rachel confirmed with a smile. “I’m proud of you for pushing through. But remember, take it easy. Don’t overdo it too soon.”

That evening, back in her apartment, Gemma lay on the couch, her arm resting gently on a pillow beside her. It was still a little sore, but she could already feel a sense of accomplishment. Today was the first step toward feeling like herself again, and for the first time in weeks, she felt hopeful.

Her phone buzzed with a text message, and she glanced at it. It was from James.

“How did it go today? No more sling?”

Gemma smiled as she typed her reply:

“Kind of! I can use it for short periods, but no lifting yet. It’s a relief, though. Feels good to start using it again.”

A few moments later, James replied:

“That’s awesome! You’re going to crush it. I know it. Just don’t rush back too fast—get better first.”

Gemma chuckled at his words. “Don’t worry, I’m not rushing anything. I’ll be back out there before you know it.”

She set her phone down and closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless. She wasn’t back on the ice yet, but she could feel herself getting closer to that day.

November 27th, 2023

Gemma walked into the physiotherapy room, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Today was another step in her recovery. She’d been working hard to regain the strength in her shoulder, but there was still a part of her that wondered how close she really was to getting back to full activity. Skating again, especially with the team, felt like the ultimate goal—but she knew she couldn’t rush it.

Rachel, the physiotherapist, was waiting for her, clipboard in hand as she looked over the notes. She greeted Gemma with a smile. “Hey, Gemma. How’s the shoulder feeling today?”

“Better than last week, for sure,” Gemma said, her voice a little lighter than it had been before. The range of motion had been steadily improving, and the pain had decreased significantly. “Still stiff at times, but overall, I think I’m getting there.”

Rachel nodded, glancing at the progress notes from the past few weeks. “You’ve made great strides, honestly. It’s not easy, but you’ve been doing everything right. Your strength is improving, and the mobility is almost where we want it.”

Gemma’s heart skipped a beat. “So, does that mean…?”

Rachel raised a hand to pause her excitement. “We’re getting there. But I think it’s time we start thinking about getting you back on the ice.”

Gemma’s eyes lit up, but Rachel quickly added, “I want to be clear—you’re not going to be throwing yourself into full-contact drills just yet. That’s still a bit down the road. But I think we’re ready to introduce some skating. With some restrictions, of course.”

Gemma nodded eagerly, trying to contain the excitement that was bubbling up. “How soon? Can I skate with the team?”

Rachel paused thoughtfully, tapping her pen against her clipboard. “I’d say within the next few days, we can start you skating on your own, no contact. I want you to wear a no-contact jersey, just to be safe. Your shoulder needs time to adapt to the movements again before we risk anything too intense.”

Gemma’s face fell slightly, but Rachel noticed and quickly added, “It’s a good step, Gemma. You’ll be on the ice again, just easing into it. Think of it as your chance to get your legs back under you before you get back into full team activities.”

Gemma took a deep breath, trying to hide the disappointment. “I guess it’s better than nothing. I just… I want to be back out there with the team. I miss it.”

Rachel gave her an understanding smile. “I know you do. And you will be back out there. Just a little patience is all we need right now. It’ll be a slow return, but you’re on the right track.”

Gemma nodded, feeling a little more settled. “Okay. I can do that. When can I start?”

“You’re clear for skating by this weekend,” Rachel said, setting down her clipboard. “It’ll be good to start getting that movement back in your routine. I’ll check in with you after each session and see how you’re doing. If you feel any discomfort, we’ll scale back. But I’m confident you’re ready.”

Gemma’s shoulders relaxed, the weight of uncertainty lifting slightly. “Thanks, Rachel. I appreciate you getting me back on the ice.”

Rachel smiled warmly. “You’ve earned it. Now just remember to take it easy. No rushing, alright?”

Gemma grinned. “I won’t. I just… I can’t wait to feel the ice again.”

Later that day, Gemma returned to her apartment, feeling a mix of anticipation and relief. She was finally going to be back on the ice, even if it wasn’t full team practice just yet. The thought of skating, even with the restrictions, made her feel closer to being whole again.

She grabbed her phone and shot a quick text to James.

“Guess what? I’m back on the ice this weekend. Just skating for now, but it’s something!”

The reply came almost instantly.

“That’s awesome, Gemma! You’ve got this. Slow and steady. I’ll be cheering for you!”

November 18th, 2023

“Okay, I think that’s everything,” she said to Will, who was sitting on the edge of her bed, folding up clothes and placing them in her suitcase with a practiced hand. He didn’t say much, but she could tell he was trying to keep the mood light.

“Do you need me to help with anything else?” he asked, glancing over at her.

She shook her head, adjusting her sling for the umpteenth time that morning. “No, I think I’ve got it. Just… make sure I don’t forget anything.”

Will gave her a teasing smile. “You know, I think I’ve been the one packing for you all week.”

Gemma raised an eyebrow. “You’ve been a good little assistant.”

“I’m just trying to make sure I don’t have to come back and pick up all your stuff again,” he joked, tapping the suitcase with his foot.

Gemma chuckled softly, the banter feeling almost normal, but she could still feel the weight of everything hanging over her. She hadn’t been able to skate for so long, and now that she was going back, there was a mix of excitement and nervousness. Would she be able to keep up? Could she find her rhythm again after being sidelined?

“Okay, I think we’re good,” Will said, standing up and zipping the suitcase shut. “Ready?”

“Yeah,” Gemma said, her voice catching for a moment. She didn’t want to admit it, but it felt weird to leave after everything that had happened. “I’m gonna miss you guys.”

“We’ll miss you too,” Will said, his tone softer than usual as he walked over to give her a hug. He pulled her into his arms, and Gemma clung to him for a second longer than she meant to. “You’re gonna do great. Just take it easy at first. Don’t push yourself.”

“I know,” she said, squeezing him back. “Thanks for everything, Will.”

As she pulled away, her parents came into the room, their faces a mix of sadness and pride. Mom smiled warmly at her, but Gemma could see the concern in her eyes.

“Take care of yourself, okay? We’re just a phone call away,” her mom said, brushing a stray lock of hair from Gemma’s forehead.

“I will,” Gemma replied, giving her a tight smile. “I promise.”

Dad stepped forward and wrapped her up in a bear hug, lifting her off the ground for a moment. “Proud of you, kiddo,” he said, setting her down gently. “You’ve got this. Just keep pushing through.”

“I will,” she echoed again, her throat tightening.

Grace walked in just as the hugs were finishing, her smile a little brighter than everyone else’s, though there was a sadness in her eyes too. “I’m gonna miss you, but I’m so proud of you for going back already,” she said, pulling Gemma into a hug. “You’ve got this. I know you’re gonna crush it when you’re back on the ice.”

“I’ll miss you too, Gracie,” Gemma said, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall. “I’ll be okay, I promise.”

The moment of silence was comforting, but it didn’t last long. Will glanced at his watch. “You should probably get going if you want to catch your flight. I’ll grab the bags.”

Gemma nodded, feeling the weight of the moment settle in her chest. She didn’t want to leave her family, but she knew this was what she needed to do.

They arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare, Will helping Gemma with her bags as they walked toward security. “I’ll see you in a few weeks, right?” he asked, his voice casual but the concern still evident behind his words.

“I’ll be fine,” Gemma said, her voice more confident than she felt. “I’ll keep you updated. Thanks again for everything, Will.”

“No problem. You’ll do great. I know it.”

stepping up toward the security line, she turned around to wave at him one last time. Will gave her a thumbs-up, and she smiled, feeling her heart lighten.

The flight was long, but not unbearable. Gemma kept herself busy with a book and a movie, though her mind kept drifting back to everything that had happened in the past few weeks. By the time the plane touched down in Michigan, she felt a mix of exhaustion and excitement. As she walked through the terminal, she spotted a familiar face, and her heart skipped a beat. Standing there in a Michigan hoodie, James was waiting for her. His face lit up when he saw her, and before she could even say anything, he was there, offering her a warm hug.

“Hey, Gemma,” James said with a smile that reached his eyes. “It’s good to see you again.”

“You too,” she replied, her voice soft but happy to see him. “Thanks for picking me up.”

“Of course,” he said, stepping back and looking her up and down. “How’s the arm?”

“Still in the sling for a bit, but I can handle it,” she said with a small shrug.

“You’ll be back on the ice in no time,” he said confidently, then shot her a playful smile. “Besides, you know, I’ve been saving all the good snacks for when you get here.”

She laughed, feeling a little lighter as they began to walk toward the exit. “You really are a snack thief, huh?”

“Guilty,” he replied with a wink.

As they reached the front of the terminal, a voice called out from behind them, and Brodie, another teammate, appeared, grinning. “Welcome back, Gemma!” he said, giving her a quick hug. “You’re gonna kill it once you’re all healed up. We missed you.”

“I missed you guys too,” Gemma said, smiling at both of them. Her heart warmed at the thought of being back with her teammates, even if she wasn’t fully back on the ice yet.

November 13th, 2023

The house was quiet, save for the faint sound of the TV from the living room where Will was sitting, scrolling through his phone. Gemma was in the kitchen, trying to do something as simple as making herself a sandwich, but every small movement sent a wave of frustration through her.

Her left arm—her injured arm—hung limply in the sling, useless and heavy. She reached for the bread, but as she tried to pull the loaf from the counter with her one good hand, the bread slipped from her grip and hit the floor with a soft thud.

“Ugh!” Gemma huffed, irritated. She bent down with a sharp wince, but the awkward angle of her injury made it impossible to grab the bread without making the pain worse. She cursed under her breath, trying again, but only managing to make the situation worse by pulling her shoulder too far and wincing harder this time.

“Come on,” she muttered to herself, trying to steady her breathing. “It’s just bread, Gem. Just grab it.”

She reached down again, teeth gritted, but before she could even make it halfway, she heard the sound of footsteps behind her. Will appeared in the doorway, silent, his eyes flicking to the bread that had already fallen twice. Without a word, he stepped forward, effortlessly picking the loaf up from the floor and placing it on the counter. He didn’t say anything; he just adjusted the loaf so she could easily grab it with her right hand.

Gemma blinked, the irritation still fresh on her face. “I don’t need your help,” she said quickly, her voice tight, though she didn’t meet his eyes. She immediately turned back to the counter, trying to make the sandwich one-handed, but her movements were stiff, awkward, and still painful.

Will stayed silent for a long moment. He watched her struggle with the knife for a few seconds before he finally stepped forward again, this time without asking, taking the knife from her hand and cutting the sandwich neatly in half. He set it down in front of her, his expression unreadable.

“Will, I can do it,” she said, her frustration mounting as she looked at him. “I don’t need you to do everything for me.”

His brow furrowed slightly, but he didn’t say anything. He didn’t want to argue with her. He had seen her frustration building over the past few days, the way she tried so hard to stay independent, to keep doing the things she normally would. But it was becoming clear that her injury—her *immobility*—was taking a toll on her, and he could see it in her eyes. He stepped back, but he didn’t leave.

Gemma’s breath hitched, and she tried to hide it behind a forced smile. “Thanks,” she muttered under her breath, but the words felt weak to her own ears. She could tell that Will could see through her, could hear the frustration that was bubbling just under the surface.

She hadn’t wanted to admit it—hadn’t wanted to admit just how much this injury was getting to her. It wasn’t the pain. It was the feeling of *uselessness*. She had always been the one to take care of things, to take care of herself. And now, she couldn’t even make herself a sandwich.

Gemma had spent the last few hours in her room, trying to keep herself busy with anything she could do with one arm. She had tried reading, flipping through her notebook, and even attempting to catch up on some schoolwork, but nothing felt right. The quiet frustration built up like a pressure cooker, threatening to spill over at any moment. The sling on her arm felt heavier than ever, and her shoulder ached constantly, a reminder of how much she couldn’t do.

She had tried to make her bed earlier, but the simplest motions left her wincing. She’d dropped the sheets multiple times, and after the third attempt, she had just given up, collapsing back onto the bed with a huff.

“I’m so useless,” she muttered to herself, staring at the ceiling. The anger inside her was beginning to feel like it was suffocating her. She couldn’t even manage a simple chore without needing help. Will had stepped in so many times today—putting things on the top shelf she couldn’t reach, taking over tasks she couldn’t do without pain.

It wasn’t that she didn’t appreciate it. She *did*. But she hated how dependent she had become on him. It felt humiliating.

With a frustrated sigh, she rolled over on her bed, staring out the window, her chest tightening as tears began to sting the corners of her eyes.

The tears didn’t come at first. She was too angry to cry. But the longer she lay there, the more she realized she couldn’t push it all down anymore. The loneliness of her situation—being stuck in bed, unable to do the things she loved—was eating away at her. The *helplessness* was unbearable.

She felt a familiar weight settle in her chest, and before she knew it, the first tear slipped down her cheek. Then another, and another, until they all came rushing forward, spilling out uncontrollably.

She didn’t want anyone to see her like this. She didn’t want to feel like a burden. But it was too much. Her body ached, her spirit felt crushed, and all she wanted was to be *normal* again.

The sound of footsteps outside her door broke her out of her spiraling thoughts, but it was too late to hide the tears. Will knocked lightly before opening the door, his face filled with concern the moment he saw her.

“Gemma?” His voice was soft, almost hesitant, as he stepped into the room.

When she didn’t answer right away, he took a step closer. “Hey… you okay?”

She wiped at her face quickly, trying to force herself to pull it together, but it was no use. The moment she met his eyes, the dam broke. She sat up on the bed, her tears flowing freely now as the weight of everything hit her like a ton of bricks.

“I hate this, Will!” she choked out, her voice thick with emotion. “I can’t do anything anymore. I’m useless. You keep having to help me with everything, and I just— I don’t want to need help! I hate feeling like this. I just want to be me again. I want to do stuff myself. I want to be normal, Will!”

Her words came out in broken bursts, the frustration, fear, and pain all mixing into one raw confession. She didn’t care that she was crying anymore. She just couldn’t hold it in any longer.

Will stood there in silence for a moment, his eyes softening as he processed what she said. He knew she was struggling with this, but hearing her say it out loud—he could see how much it was hurting her. He’d known she hated asking for help, especially from him. She had always been so independent, and this injury had shattered that part of her.

Without saying anything, he slowly walked over to her side of the bed and sat down next to her. He didn’t try to talk or offer advice. He just sat there, quietly, until her sobs quieted enough for him to speak.

“Gemma, you’re not useless,” he said quietly, his voice steady but filled with reassurance. “I know it’s hard right now, and I know you want to do everything by yourself… but that doesn’t make you any less of who you are. It doesn’t make you weak.”

She looked at him, her eyes red and swollen from crying. “But I can’t do anything anymore. I just feel… stuck.”

Will nodded slowly. “I get it. But right now, you don’t have to do everything. You don’t have to be *perfect*. You’re still you. And you’re still strong. Just because you can’t do everything doesn’t mean you’ve lost anything. You’re not alone in this, Gemma. You have me. And Mom and Dad. And Grace. We’re all here.

Gemma wiped at her eyes, sniffing back the last of her tears. Her heart felt a little lighter now, though the pain of her injury still gnawed at her. She swallowed hard, her voice quieter this time. “I don’t want to keep depending on you, though. I don’t want to be a burden.”

“You’re not a burden.” His voice was firm, but gentle. “It’s not a burden to help you. You’re my sister. And I’m not going anywhere. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

There was a long pause, and Gemma leaned her head against his shoulder, letting out a deep sigh. “Thanks, Will. I’m sorry for snapping earlier. I know you’re just trying to help.”

Will gently rubbed her back, offering a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry about it. I get it. You’re going through a lot right now. I’m just glad you told me how you feel.”

She smiled softly, feeling a weight lift from her chest. It wasn’t all gone, but just knowing she could open up to him made it easier to breathe.

“I’m still mad about it all,” she said, her voice a little shaky but steadier now. “But… maybe I can handle it. I don’t have to do everything by myself.”

“Exactly,” Will agreed, leaning back slightly, still keeping his arm around her for comfort. “And I’ll be here, no matter what.”

Gemma let out a small, tired laugh, wiping her face one last time. “Thanks. Really.”

November 11th, 2023

The door clicked softly as Grace stepped inside, lugging a suitcase behind her. It had been a long flight, but the sight of her younger sister made every hour of travel worth it. Gemma was sitting on the couch, her arm still in a sling, but the familiar space of home seemed to help her settle into a more relaxed mood. Will had been there all morning, preparing breakfast and making sure she was comfortable—an unspoken promise to help her through the next few days. “Gem!” Grace called out from the hallway, a smile spreading across her face as she saw Gemma. “How’s the patient doing?”Gemma lifted her head, forcing a smile. “Better now that you’re here.”

Grace kicked off her shoes and walked over to her sister, kneeling down in front of her. “Hey, sis. I’m glad I could make it. How’s the arm feeling?”

“Eh, still hurts, but I’m surviving,” Gemma said, clearly not wanting to dwell on the pain. “The doctor says it should heal fine, just need to take it easy for a while.”

“Take it easy, huh?” Grace smirked, noticing the almost comically large stack of books, magazines, and snacks next to Gemma on the coffee table. “Looks like someone’s got a whole day of being pampered planned.”Gemma chuckled lightly. “I’m not complaining. Will’s been great, though. He even made me breakfast this morning.” Grace glanced over at Will, who was lounging nearby, scrolling through his phone, as he often did when he wasn’t actively taking care of Gemma. The way he was constantly checking on her without needing to be asked made Grace smile—she could see how much her brother cared for his younger sister. “Well, don’t get too used to it,” Grace teased, sitting next to Gemma and pulling her knees up to her chest. “I’m here to take over, okay?” Will looked up from his phone, his expression a mix of playful and resigned. “I know, I know. But can you blame me for making sure she gets everything she needs?”. Gemma rolled her eyes, but there was a warmth in her gaze. “I don’t mind it. It’s nice having someone take care of me for a change.”

“I thought you liked taking care of *everyone*,” Grace teased, nudging her sister. Gemma shrugged, biting back a grin. “Yeah, well, being the one who needs the help for once isn’t so bad.” Will stood up and walked into the kitchen. “Speaking of taking care of things… I’ll grab some snacks for you, Grace. You probably haven’t eaten in hours.” Grace waved him off with a smile. “You’re too much, Will. I’m fine.” “Yeah, but you’ll be happier with snacks,” he quipped, already opening the pantry. As Will busied himself in the kitchen, Gemma leaned back on the couch, her body still feeling the weight of the injury but comforted by her sister’s presence. She’d missed Grace—the two of them used to spend hours talking, laughing, and reminiscing. And now, even though she was hurt, it felt like things were starting to feel a little more normal again. “How was the flight?” Gemma asked, glancing over at Grace as she fiddled with the sleeve of her sweatshirt.

“It was long,” Grace replied, rolling her eyes. “But I couldn’t wait to get here. How are you really doing? How’s Will been treating you?”Gemma smiled, her cheeks flushing just a little. “He’s been great… a little overboard on the pampering, but it’s nice. He’s just… I don’t know, always there when I need him. Even when I try to pretend I’m fine.” Grace’s expression softened. “Yeah, that’s Will. He doesn’t know how to stop looking after people. It’s like his thing. He’s always been like that.” Gemma nodded, grateful for how naturally Will had stepped up. But the weight of the injury, the time off the ice, and everything else had started to catch up with her. It wasn’t just the collarbone—there was a feeling of helplessness she wasn’t used to. Just then, Will walked back in with a plate of cookies and some iced tea, setting it down on the coffee table in front of Gemma. He noticed the slight shift in her demeanor and gave her a small, understanding look. “Everything okay?” he asked gently, leaning against the back of the couch. Gemma hesitated for a moment, her fingers picking at the edge of the blanket draped across her legs. “Yeah, just… tired,” she admitted. “And I don’t like being stuck at home for so long.” Grace immediately reached over and rubbed her sister’s shoulder. “You’re tough, Gem. You’ll get through this.” Will gave her a half-smile. “I’m sure she will. She always does.” Gemma shot both of them a grateful smile. “Thanks,” she said quietly. “I think I just needed a moment to think things through.” Will sat back down next to her, offering her a plate of cookies. “Well, now you’ve got the rest of the day to do that,” he said. “And if you need to talk, we’re both here, right?”