The Fall

by Tal Bauer

He is coming back. For us. For the game. It is the quietest, bravest thing I have ever seen. I will be his shield. I will be his legs. I will anticipate every pass, block every shot, and clear his path so all he has to do is skate. I will pour every ounce of my energy into the space around him. Tonight, I play for him.

“I don’t know how not to fall for you.” His confession sinks past bone and into the very center of me. “Fall,” I choke out. “I’ll catch you.”