HAYDEN

I stared at my phone like the words might rearrange themselves into something better if I glared hard enough. But they didn’t. They just sat there, mocking me.

Dad: This girl is a distraction. Don’t let her ruin your chances. Focus on hockey. Nothing else matters.

Mom: Sweetheart, we’re worried. Don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment. You need to think about your future, not some girl who won’t last.

My jaw tightened. My thumb hovered over the keyboard, itching to fire ...