"Yeah, we're gonna skate," I agree, nodding sternly and reaching for my skates again. This is something that I've done hundreds, if not thousands of times, but this time I find my fingers trembling. Still, it's muscle memory at this point and before long, I have both skates on and laced up. It feels good. It feels-- well, a little like coming home, actually. Sure, there is no NHL glory in my feature, but I still have this. That will have to be enough.

"Okay," I say, standing up smoothly and taking a deep breath. "I'm ready. Let's get out there, fifteen."