Kayden
Rhoda rose from the bed, pulled me up, and hugged me warmly. I raised my hands and wrapped them tightly around her.
I had missed hugging her; ever since I started playing professional hockey, we barely met and mostly just video-called each other.
The only times we truly saw each other were when she occasionally came to watch my games back when I was with the Westbridge Falcons.
Hugging her again gave me a sense of warmth, making me realize just how much I had missed her presence.
I burst into more tears, clinging to her. "Do you think he hates me now?" I repeated, the question muffled against her shoulder.
Rhoda ran a hand through my hair and shook her head. She pulled away just enough to look me in the eye and gently wiped the tears from my face.
"Stop crying, son," she said softly. She took my hand and pulled me toward the open balcony of the room.
