NA

black Cadillac. My only luggage was a simple canvas bag with

y outside shifting from the sprawli

orthridge Academy" were spelled out in severe, blocky letters, flanked by a l

the gate displayed the academy

TREATMENT. MISSED TRA

a name that felt

JULIAN

ntrance like a piece of trash. The ca

s of skates carving ice and pucks slamming into boards echoed from the distant rinks. Every few seconds,

e, I could already feel how tig

tall, athletic boys in tracksuits, carrying massive hockey

ey, and I had certainly never imagined I'd end up at a place like this. All I could think about was how

a line! One by one for registration!" His to

make trouble. I simply had no idea what I was supposed to do, and I despe

ardhouse, clutching the

, his brow furrowed. "Hey

looking for someone. Andrew Reynolds. He's a

arity with the coach's name. He eyed me suspiciousl

rossed my arms, trying to keep my voice steady despite the knot in my

g his walkie-talkie. My heart was

ears older than me. We grew up together, and a

re in an academy-branded tracksu

stung. I almost burst in

d to my side, his eyes taking in my messy hair and wrinkl

oulders, shielding me from the prying eyes of the other recruits. It sme

d my shoulders. He led me past the long line, straight throug

line watched us curiously, but I barely noticed. My only tho

never chosen. I suddenly felt a sharp ache for my own abandoned path. I had come here because my fa

re?" Andrew asked in a low voice as

thick with frustrat

ing my hair. "Don't

of air conditioning felt like salvation. He sat me dow

he first time since arriving in this he

membered Andre

to handle the necessary arrang

atching the sweaty new recruits outside. Fo

ter with a key card and

work. Let me take you to your

id, with genuine feeli

ned. "You idiot. You don't