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I scra all the way I wrench it open, finding that Rafe left the interior door open There’s nothing wrong withit for well over two decades, and no one expects me to knock

I step into a s area, and a half staircase leads down to the base that’s where Rafe will find Ji sports It’s where the recliner will eventually be replaced by a hospital bed once he loses mobility I was there when Brenda sat down and talked with a hospice representative not long ago

I trot up the steps—five in all—and round the banister that opens into a s room

I see Brenda first, pulling away froer than he ht ordinarily, then releases her with a wan sertips to his cheek and steps away

A lules out of his recliner, his body beco noticeably weaker every day Brenda takes a step his way, intent on helping him up as she often does, I’ hand on her shoulder A silent plea to let his dad do it himself because he wouldn’t want to look weak to his son

Rafe’s never been very close to his dad Hasn’t had to care for hi without even understanding why at first But right nowin this momentRafe understands hiht understand another’s need to be as strong as possible, despite the circumstances

Jie of the recliner, plants his slippered feet on the carpet, and pushes hi loosely on hi all kinds of red flags for Brenda Try as she o see a doctor

“Son,” Ji It’s all for show because that’s not usually how he sounds these days Rafe will figure that out soon enough

“Hey, Dad,” Rafe replies softly, and in two big strides, he’s bridged the gap between theently enfolds his dad in an e down to press into his dad’s shoulder

My eyes getbefore

Inthat this is the first time I’ve ever seen the men embrace is a stark realization

How did I not notice that before?

Was it because my eyes were so starry and dazzled by Rafe’s brilliance that I didn’t notice so as simple as a lack of physical connection between father and son?

I feel a bit er toward Rafe drain away, only to be i now

That big clock now ticking down to an awful, painful conclusion that no one is ever ready for

I iret on both sides, and I really hope they can ether

Rafe is the first one to pull back, but he still holds on to his dad’s shoulders, studying Jietting grayer”

Jiht

I take that as ht now And besides, in addition to all of the heavy e with my own conflicts about Rafe’s returnChapter 3RafeThe Cold Fury eance’s Where the Vengeance executive suite is all airy with light colors and chrome, the Cold Fury décor is dark-paneled walls, thick, plush carpeting, and a from wall sconces

None of that rateful to be on this team It’s a miracle of sorts that I even made it here The move was ible to play in the playoffs As such, Dominik Carlson and Gray Brannon came up with a risky plan and ue team on waivers The same was done with my counterpart here at Cold Fury, Kane Bellan Then, when the waiver time expired, both coaches snapped us up to join opposite teams I’m sure other teareased or so to make the switch happen as it did