The heart monitor beeps like a metronome counting down to nothing. I press play on the old game footage, cranking the speakers low so only he can hear. ‘You’re the future of the Sabres,’ I whisper, looping the highlight where he scored in overtime, blood streaking his temple. His fingers twitch—just once. I freeze. Was it reflex? Or did he remember?

I grab the neural log, scribbling notes like my life depends on it. Outside, snow falls silent over Buffalo. My phone buzzes: Mother’s lawyer. ‘Time to come home, Renee. He’s gone.’

But he’s not. I know it.

Tomorrow, Dr. Vex arrives with an experimental stimulator—one that could jumpstart his brain or erase every memory he has of me. Mira says no. Coach says try. And the machine hums louder in my mind than any boardroom ever did.

Do I authorize the implant? Do I take him to the rink one last time, risking everything for a miracle? Or do I walk away before I lose myself completely?