Page 31 of Before the Fire

---

So you are nervous.

Novák

I didn't say that.

Hájek

You said many words to avoid saying that. In Czech we just say "mám nervy."

Mueller

What does that mean?

Hájek

"I have nerves." Simple. Honest. No extra words.

Novák

…

Davis

He got you.

Novák

He did not get me.

Davis

He absolutely got you.

Mueller

I keep thinking about the stalls. The empty ones. Guys who were here last week and aren't now.

Davis

Yeah.

Mueller

And how tomorrow is the first time coaches see us in a game. Not a drill. A game. With shifts and matchups and pressure. And that's what they're going to use to decide.

Novák

They've been deciding all camp. Tomorrow is confirmation.

Mueller

That's not more comforting.

Davis

It's a little more comforting. It means the work already matters.

Hájek

---