Gravity

by Tal Bauer

“Hi,” I squeak. “I wear your number.” “Enchanté.” Bryce's grin grows. “I wear your number, too.”

“Alors, what are you doing after this?” Going back to my room to relive tonight and etch it into my memories forever. Stare at my ceiling with a sixteen-year-old’s wonder, and remember what it felt like when he looked at me and smiled across the ice. I wear your number, too. “Umm, not much,” I mumble. “I didn’t make plans.”

He will want me to play tomorrow night to help the team. And if he asks me, I won't say no. I'll give him everything. Anything he wants, anything he needs. I'll cradle his hopes and keep them safe until he can take hold of them again. I'll build scaffolds for his dreams, too, and I will lift him on my shoulders until he can touch the stars.

“I love you,” I whisper. He draws a heart on my chest and kisses the center of it.