The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 177

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Back in the apartment, the air seemed lighter after my conversation with Timothy. I couldn’t help but smile as I saw Olive as she bounced her legs on the couch. Once she spotted me, she sat up and ran to my side.

“I can’t believe Uncle Timothy lives right next to you!” she said, her excitement evident.

I suppose they’d never had the chance to be properly introduced until now. Regardless, she seemed to have instantly taken a liking to him. “Can I see him again?” she asked innocently..

I hesitated for a moment, struggling to find the right words. “Another time,” I replied gently, not wanting to delve into the complexities of Timothy and. I’s situation.

Olive’s gaze returned to the window, her mind seemingly racing with questions. It was a weekday, and the persistent ticking of the antique wall clock reminded me of her obligations.

“Shouldn’t you be in school?” I inquired.

“I’ve always been homeschooled,” Olive admitted. “I do have homework to do later.”

Homeschooled. I considered the implications of that as I glanced around the apartment. A flicker of sympathy welled up within me, because I was hardly as good of a distraction for her as her potential peers could’ve been.

Emergency calls only Chapter 177

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I rose from the couch, moved toward the television set, and switched it on. The screen flickered to life and I began flipping through channels until a children’s program came on the screen. As I walked off, my mind began to wander to a time when my own life had been marked by the absence of a

mother.

Mia, my mother, had left when I was just ten years old. Her departure coincided with my father’s growing dependence on alcohol, and I still remembered the tears in her eyes as she reminisced about the life she could have had if I had never been born. Her words had etched themselves into my memory, carving out a deep wound that never truly healed.

Scarlett was not the type of mother to abandon her child. Her departure was the kind that only happened through

the jarring ring of my phone. Glancing at the caller ID, my heart clenched with a mixture of dread and anticipation. It was Timothy. With a

crackled on the other end. “The hospital just called. Scarlett still hasn’t woken up.

uncertainty in his voice. That could’ve meant a lot of

to see Olive by my side. I hadn’t even noticed

up?” she asked,

phone to muffle Timothy’s voice. “Um, I’m

Timothy said. “Talk to you

only.

heavy sigh. “The doctors are doing everything they can,” I told her gently, wishing I could promise more. “We just have to

her gaze filled with a wisdom that far exceeded her years. She brushed a lock of her auburn hair behind her

birthday tugged at my

tomorrow,” she replied, her voice soft and uncertain.

milestones that had been tainted or even missed altogether. My thoughts. wandered to the things

determined to be there for Olive in a way my mother hadn’t been for me. “We’ll celebrate your birthday, Olive,”

“Can I invite my friends over

excitement.

and nostalgia. I’d never been particularly good with kids, and my life had revolved around work and personal struggles. However, Olive’s happiness was more important than ever

I agreed with a grin, hoping

enthusiasm would mask my apprehension. “We’ll plan

Emergency calls only

Chapter 177

her small arms enveloped me in a tight hug. I couldn’t help but

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and I spent the day gathering supplies for her upcoming birthday sleepover, filling the small living space with balloons, streamers, and the unmistakable excitement of an impending celebration. As

as I put the finishing touches on the decorations, the front door swung open and Aria entered. Her movements were sluggish as

her with a warm

Olive chirped after me, waving her tissue paper