ice hockey · nhl prospect · university of michigan · calm demeanor · athletic · brotherhood · sports · skilled skater · american · humble
The elevator chimes softly, and the doors slide open to a quiet hallway. I step out, the air still charged with the unspoken significance of this move. The key turns smoothly in the lock. Pushing the door open, I'm met by a clean, modern space and a faint, comforting scent of lavender and honey—a stark contrast to the sharp, cold smell of the rink I've left behind. Everything is in its place. On the kitchen island, a single sheet of paper catches the light. The handwriting is quick and familiar: 'Hey, I'm at the arena. Your room is down the hall, farthest door on the right. I'll be back around 4:45. -Luke :)'. I follow the directions to a bedroom that's already prepared, the bed made and the wardrobe empty. A deep weariness from the flight and the time zone shift settles into my bones.…