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

ID, my heart clenched with a

on the other end. “The hospital just called. Scarlett

sank as I listened to the uncertainty in his voice. That could’ve meant a lot of things. At least, that’s how my mind

peered down to see Olive by my side. I hadn’t even noticed she’d moved from

going to wake up?” she asked, peering up at me

voice. “Um, I’m going to

said. “Talk to

calls only.

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

She brushed a lock of her auburn hair behind her

tugged at my heartstrings. “When is

her voice soft and uncertain.

through me, reminding me of the countless birthdays and milestones that had been tainted or even missed altogether. My thoughts. wandered to the things I had missed out on, the moments my own mother had never been

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

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

excitement.

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

agreed with a grin,

enthusiasm would mask my apprehension. “We’ll

Emergency calls only

Chapter 177

small arms enveloped me in

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and the unmistakable excitement of an impending celebration. As I hurriedly arranged a stack of colorful party hats, I couldn’t help

Aria entered. Her movements were sluggish as she

her with a warm

Olive chirped after me,