Page 113 of The Callahan Effect

The future that had seemed so uncertain only months earlier suddenly stretched before us with remarkable clarity.

Professional hockey.

Medicine.

One apartment.

One life.

Together.

Ryan wandered over carrying the championship trophy balanced against one shoulder.

"You two planning your future already?"

"Something like that."

He grinned.

"Good."

Before I could answer, another player approached from the Lake Superior group waiting nearby for postgame photographs. He couldn't have been more than nineteen, broad-shouldered, dark-haired, and still wearing his navy jersey despite the rest of his teammates beginning to change.

Ryan noticed him at exactly the same moment.

"Hey," The young defenseman stopped in front of Ryan.

"Hey. Congratulations on a hell of a tournament. You didn’t make it easy," Ryan admitted.

"Thanks. Congratulations on the championship."

The young man glanced toward the Evergreen players gathering for one final team photograph.

"I guess I'll be seeing all of you next season."

Ryan frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"I entered the transfer portal three weeks ago. Committed to Evergreen yesterday."

Ryan stared at him. "You're kidding."

"Nope."

He extended his hand.

"Daniel Tybolt."

Ryan shook it.

"Ryan Sullivan."

"Captain. I know."

Daniel smiled.

"I'll see you in Spokane."