Free Ice Time by David Skuy Page B

a concussion? The symptoms — dizziness, nausea, forgetfulness, sensitivity to light — seemed to come and go.
    After a game like tonight’s, an injury would be an epic disaster. He’d finally had the chance to prove he could play. Plus, C.C. was going to be out for a least a few games. The team needed Rocket, and he didn’t want to let them down.
    Leona saw him first. “There’s Rocket Man!” she shrieked.
    She and Rafa hopped up and down, their hands over their heads.
    “Hey, guys,” Rocket said. “Enjoy the game?”
    “We very much enjoyed your goals,” Ritchie said.
    “Did you get my puck?” Leona said.
    He’d forgotten. Rocket felt the puck in his pocket — his first AHL goal. “Of course, I did,” he said. He gave it a last look and handed it to her.
    “Mine doesn’t have writing,” Rafa wailed.
    “You can share them,” Rocket said.
    “This is mine,” Leona said to Rafa.
    “Not fair,” Rafa whined.
    “Children can be a great joy in life — and a great big headache,” Ritchie said, laughing.
    Megan spotted him. “Great game, Bryan. Wow! So glad I came. André and Maddy will be mad they missed it. Two goals! That was a dirty hit, though. He should’ve been kicked out.”
    Rocket rubbed the back of his neck. “Tell me about it. I was seeing spots there for a while.”
    “Do you think you have a concussion?” she said.
    “Megan, have you met my Pinewood family?” Rocket said quickly. “Ritchie, Rafa and Leona.”
    “Bryan gave me a puck with writing on it,” Leona said.
    Rafa scowled deeply.
    “I’ll write on your puck, too,” Rocket told him.
    Rafa stuck his tongue out at Leona, and she stuck hers out back.
    “I am Ritchie. Very nice to meet a friend of Bryan,” Ritchie said.
    Megan smiled at him. “Nice to meet you, too.”
    “We should get going,” said Ritchie. “Our bus will be here soon. We will see you at home, Bryan.”
    “I can give you a ride,” Megan offered.
    “It is okay. You have a long drive home,” Ritchie said.
    “It’s no problem,” Megan said. “I can fit five people.”
    Rocket was too tired to turn down a lift. “Once Megan decides something, you won’t get her to change her mind,” he said. “Let’s get these two brats home.”
    “He’s the brat,” Leona said, pointing at Rafa. “I’m a wonderful child.”
    Megan laughed, and they all headed to the door, the two kids chattering away.
    Rafa and Leona kept at it all the way home, with Megan and Ritchie laughing the entire time. Rocket had trouble following the conversation, and he was so drained from the game, he could barely keep his eyes open.
    Megan pulled over in front of their building.
    “Again, thank you,” Ritchie said. “I hope you will be able to return for a long visit soon. I think Bryan will be lonely here without his friends or family.”
    “I will, thanks. Hopefully soon. School is busy, but I’ll figure out another game, maybe on a Friday or Saturday.”
    “Wonderful. I will be looking forward to it,” Ritchie said. He and the two kids got out.
    “Bye, guys,” Megan said. “Take care of Bryan for me.”
    “I’ll be home in a bit,” Rocket told them.
    He yawned deeply as they left.
    “Am I that dull?” Megan joked.
    “No. Sorry. Just tired for some reason,” Rocket said.
    “So … how are things going? André told me about this coach of yours, Barker? He sounds like a real jerk. What if he keeps giving you a hard time?”
    “I can deal with him. No worries.” He yawned again.
    “You’ve yawned about ten times since we left the rink,” Megan said. “I think that guy messed you up a bit.”
    “I’m fine. Honest. I was just up early today.” It was all he could do to keep his eyes open.
    Megan ran her hand through her hair. “Have you registered for those online courses yet?”
    Rocket looked out the window. “Not yet. I will. It’s been busy.”
    “This is serious, Bryan. What if you get hurt and can’t play? You’ll have nothing to fall