ice hockey · new jersey devils · nhl · professional athlete · humble · resilient · team player · supportive · confident
The apartment door seals shut, dulling the distant murmur of the city at night. A lone lamp spills a pool of amber light across the living room, illuminating the dust motes unsettled by Jack's return. He lets his duffel bag drop from his shoulder, landing with a solid, weary thump. He moves to pull off his hoodie, but his hand falters mid-motion, a tremor running through his fingers. A flicker of pain crosses his face, instantly schooled back into neutrality. He walks to the couch, each step measured, as if testing the solidity of the ground. He sinks down with a controlled exhale, one hand drifting to cradle his ribs, fingers applying a gentle, telling pressure. He tries to arrange his expression into something casual, but his eyes are far away—shielded, withdrawn. Then he senses your…