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.

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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

phone. Glancing at the caller ID, my heart clenched with a mixture

other end. “The hospital just called. Scarlett still hasn’t

heart sank as I listened to the uncertainty in his voice. That could’ve meant a lot of things. At least,

down to see Olive by my side. I

up?” she asked, peering up at me with

cupped a hand over the phone to muffle Timothy’s voice. “Um, I’m going to have to call

“Talk

only.

a heavy sigh. “The doctors are doing everything they can,” I told her gently,

brushed a lock of her auburn hair behind her ear and whispered. “They need to fix her soon,

birthday tugged at my

she replied, her voice soft and uncertain. “But

tainted or even missed altogether. My thoughts. wandered to the things I had missed out

for me. “We’ll celebrate your birthday, Olive,” I said with conviction. “We’ll make

of hope flickered in Olive’s eyes, and a smile graced her lips. “Can I invite my friends over for a sleepover?” she asked, her voice

excitement.

a mix of anxiety 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 now, and I was determined to

course,” I agreed with a grin,

would mask my apprehension. “We’ll plan the best sleepover

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Chapter 177

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

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upcoming birthday sleepover, filling the small living space with balloons, streamers, and the unmistakable excitement of an impending celebration. As I hurriedly arranged a stack of colorful party hats,

entered. Her movements

her with

after me, waving her tissue