Breaking The Ice

CHAPTER 19

Riley POV

The first box made everything feel real. It sat open on my dorm room floor, half-filled with textbooks, framed photographs, and the collection of hockey pucks I'd gathered over the years. I'd told myself I was only packing things I wouldn't need for the next week. It was a lie. I was preparing to leave.

I picked up the framed photograph from my bedside table. Dad and I stood outside my old rink, both of us bundled in oversized winter jackets, my first tournament medal hanging proudly around my neck. He'd insisted I bring it with me to college because, in his words, "Every hockey player needs a reminder of where they started." I wrapped the frame carefully in one of my sweaters before placing it in the box before staring around my room. It was amazing how quickly a place could start looking temporary.

A knock sounded against my door. "Come in.” Emily stepped inside carrying two steaming mugs. "I figured you could use coffee.” I smiled gratefully. "You figured right.” She handed me one before noticing the box. Her smile faded. "...You're packing.” "Just getting ahead of things.” She looked unconvinced. "You still haven't found anywhere?” I shook my head. "No."

She sat on the edge of my bed. "What are you going to do?” I wrapped both hands around the warm mug. "I honestly don't know.” Silence settled between us. Finally, Emily spoke. "You know…" I looked up. "...it's okay to ask people for help.” I smiled weakly. "I know.” But even as I said it… I wasn't sure I did.

Practice that afternoon was fast. Coach barely let us stop moving. Small-area battles. Transition drills. Special teams. The physical work was almost a relief. It stopped me thinking. At least until practice ended. Everyone drifted toward the locker room while I stayed behind to retape my stick. Tyler wandered over first. "You heading out?” He asked. “Eventually." I said back. He leaned against the boards. "You've been awfully quiet.” Tyler remarked and I shrugged. "I've been tired.” He studied me for a second. Then, to my relief, he simply nodded. "Fair enough.” Before walking away he looked at me strangely before he started to speak. "Listen... if you ever…" He stopped himself. "...Never mind.” Then he tossed me a fresh roll of tape. "You were almost out.” He said instead. I caught it. “Thanks." I called after him. "No problem.” I think I knew what he was going to say but he didn’t. He didn’t mention housing. didn’t asked questions. Somehow… That almost made me feel worse.

The locker room was mostly empty by the time I finally finished. Gray was stuffing equipment into his bag with all the grace of an angry raccoon. "Did you know…" He said and looked up. "...that socks disappear?” I blinked. “What?" I asked in confusion. "I had six pairs.” He held up one lonely sock. "Now I have five and a half.” I stared at him. "How do you have half a sock?” I asked and Gray frowned. "It was a full sock yesterday.” Connor sighed. "He ripped a hole in it.” Gray looked offended. "It's ventilation.” Gray defended and looked at Connor suspiciously. ”I think Connor cut one.” Connor looked up immediately. "I absolutely did not.” Gray pointed dramatically. "Exactly what someone who cuts socks would say.” Connor sighed. "I'm surrounded by idiots.” Gray smiled proudly. "You'd miss us.” Connor didn't even hesitate. “No." Gray looked at me. "See how mean he is?” I laughed.

"I think he's making a convincing argument.” Gray clutched his chest. “Betrayed." Tyler walked past. “Again?" He asked tiredly. “Repeatedly." Gray mumbled. For five minutes… Housing disappeared. Money disappeared. It was just teammates being ridiculous. I'd missed that.

Later that evening, I returned to Cedar Hall carrying another cardboard box I'd borrowed from the residence office. The hallway looked different now. Doors stood open. Students packed. Parents carried furniture. Tape guns echoed from room to room. It wasn't just me anymore. The whole building was slowly emptying. Every room I passed looked a little emptier than it had the day before. Posters disappeared from doors. Laundry baskets sat stacked in hallways. Someone wheeled a mini fridge toward the elevator while another student hugged her roommate goodbye. Life was moving forward. Mine felt like it had stopped.

Reality had arrived. Emily watched me carry the box inside. "They're moving faster than I expected.” She commented. I nodded. "So am I.” She hesitated. "My parents…" She started and I looked up. "...said if you need somewhere for a few days…" Emotion caught in my throat. "They're really kind.” I said. "They are.” I smiled. "But I can’t." I said but she already knew I'd say that. "I figured.” Still… The offer meant more than she probably realized.

That night, I sat cross-legged on my bed with my laptop balanced in front of me. One final search. Nothing. I closed it. For the first time… I allowed myself to admit the truth. I had run out of options. Not almost. Not soon. Now.

A sharp knock echoed through the hallway. "Residence meeting!” Students began opening their doors. I followed them into the corridor. The residence manager stood waiting with a clipboard. "I know this has been stressful for everyone.” she began. "But I need to remind you all that Cedar Hall officially closes next Friday at noon.” A murmur spread through the hallway. "You must have completely vacated your rooms by that time.” Next Friday. Nine days. My stomach dropped. Nine days. That was all I had left.

Back inside my room, I closed the door quietly. The silence felt heavier than it ever had before. I looked around the room one more time. The half-packed boxes. The empty shelves. The hockey jersey hanging on the wardrobe. Everything I'd built over the past few weeks suddenly felt fragile. For the first time since arriving at Wolf Ridge… I cried. Not loudly. Not dramatically. Just quietly.

I buried my face in my hands, hoping no one walking past my door would hear. It wasn't just about losing a room anymore. It was the fear of losing everything I'd worked so hard to earn. The team. The season. The chance Wolf Ridge had given me.

I cried the kind of tears that came after spending weeks convincing yourself you were stronger than the situation. My tears lasted only a few minutes but when they stopped, I wiped my face, stood up, and zipped another hockey bag closed. Because tomorrow… I'd get up. I'd go to class. I'd go to practice. I'd smile when Gray said something ridiculous. I'd tell everyone I was fine. Even if… For the first time in my life… I wasn't sure I was.