His Big Hockey Stick

Chapter 1

Vienna

With each exhale, my breath leaves in tiny white puffs, conspicuous amid the slightly dark surroundings around me. The sky remains a dim blue, rolling clouds yet to partake in welcoming the sun’s arrival, which won’t be until another hour or two later. The cold breeze pricks my skin, a nice comfort to the sweat dribbling and rolling down my neck.

I yawn a little, making a mental note to myself that this is the fourth time I’ve done a complete circle around the neighborhood. My morning runs often take me five laps, but I’m a bit short on time today, so I ought to cut off one lap and just make up for it tomorrow. 

I pause by the streetlamp for a second to catch my breath and wind down. Popping open my water bottle, I hydrate myself, swallowing gulps and gulps of well-needed sustenance to soothe my dry throat. 

It’s like finding an oasis. 

“Ah.” After I wipe my lips, I close the bottle and kick-off to get back to my apartment.

A few other joggers pass me along the way, familiar faces I’ve come to know around Hollow Town, and we share acknowledging glances and nods. These nonverbal cues never fail to rejuvenate me a little. Heaven knows I need it for the day ahead. 

The door to my apartment comes within sight after turning down the corner to my block, and I give myself a little pat on the back, jogging up the steps.

As I enter my apartment, a concoction of exhaustion and exhilaration from my morning run suffuses my entire body, but I push through, flicking the lights on.

The apartment is small and a little run-down, with peeling wallpaper and sparse furniture that only consists of the essentials. The living room, which doubles as my bedroom, has a worn-out couch that I use as a bed sometimes when the single bed shoved in a corner gets too uncomfortable. There’s a small coffee table at the center and a rickety bookshelf filled with dog-eared paperbacks by the wall. 

The kitchenette is cramped, with a tiny fridge, a hot plate, and a microwave that barely works. The bathroom is just big enough for a shower, a toilet, and a sink with a rust stain that I can’t seem to get rid of no matter how much I try.

Despite its shortcomings, the apartment is home, and I’ve grown to appreciate its quirks. I can’t help but feel a twinge of sadness, though, as I think about the fact that I need to save up for a better place to live. I know that I deserve more than this, but the reality of making ends meet is a constant struggle. 

Even working two jobs, it’s still a challenge to pay the bills on time. I try not to let it get me down, but some days, it’s hard not to feel discouraged.

I shake off the negative thoughts and head to the kitchen to make myself a cup of coffee. As the machine gurgles and hisses, I think of good days, which have been hard to come by lately. A hot cup of coffee, a good book, and a cozy couch to curl up on are all I need to feel content. 

I take a deep breath, savoring the aroma of the coffee, and remind myself that things will get better. I just need to keep pushing forward and stay focused on my goals.

Lost in thought, I suddenly realize that the ticking clock indicates that it’s almost time for my early shift at the pet store. I quickly finish my cup of coffee when it’s done and have a quick shower, changing into my work uniform. I hastily tie my hair up and grab my bag before heading out the door.

I don’t have time to dawdle, so I hurry towards the pet store, feeling the weight of my run settling in. It’s hard to keep up with the hustle and bustle of life sometimes, especially when you're juggling multiple jobs just to make ends meet. But as I make my way towards work, I remind myself that this is all for a better future. 

I steel my resolve and give myself a pep talk, telling myself that I can do this.

As I walk, I focus hard on the positive. Sure, life can be tough, but I’m doing everything I can to improve my situation. I think about the animals I’ll be taking care of at the pet store and how much joy they bring to people’s lives. It’s a small thing, but it’s rewarding in its own way. 

And who knows, maybe one day I’ll be able to afford a pet of my own. The idea makes me smile. 

The pet store comes into view, and I pace my steps languidly. 

Despite the obstacles I face, I’m proud of myself for staying committed to my goals. I take a moment to gather my thoughts before heading inside, ready to tackle the day ahead. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m determined to make the most of it. 

The door chimes as I enter, a familiar sound that I’ve grown accustomed to after working here for so long. I greet my co-worker with a tired smile before clocking in to feed the animals that greet me.

“Morning, Vienna,” Janice says as I pass her by.

“Hey, how’s it going?” I ask, already making my way towards the animal enclosures.

I find a little reprieve in taking care of the animals, winding down as I feed them. They always seem to know when I need a pick-me-up, and their unconditional love never fails to make me feel better. There’s a little Chihuahua named Tiny that I’ve grown particularly fond of, as well as a big ol’ Saint Bernard named Brutus. I’ve also named a few of the birds, like a parrot named Polly and a cockatoo named Coco.

Working here is good, for the most part. It can be tiring, especially when I have to work a double shift, but I love being around the animals. They’re all so unique and have their own personalities, and it’s gratifying to know that I'm helping to take care of them. Plus, it’s a nice change of pace from my other job at the coffee shop.

Midway through my shift, I get a text from my manager at the coffee shop, reminding me about my evening shift. I sigh, but I know I need the extra hours. So I take a break and spend some time with the animals, delighting in their company to distract myself from the lethargy that’s starting to set in. It’s moments like these that make it all worth it.

The day at the pet store is a typical one. I started by feeding the animals and cleaning their enclosures before helping customers with their purchases. I take pride in being able to handle whatever the day throws my way, easily doing the tasks that need particular attention and knowing how to sort my priorities. 

At lunchtime, I grab a quick bite from the deli across the street before heading back to the store. I spend the afternoon restocking shelves and helping customers with their pet needs, including a couple who are looking for a new fish tank. I’m able to help them find the perfect one, but the highlight of the day is being generously tipped. Maintaining the tank and keeping the fish healthy has perks other than keeping them in good condition, it seems.

As the day wears on, I can feel my energy starting to wane, but I push through, knowing that I have to clock out and head to the cafe. I say goodbye to my co-workers and make my way to the cafe, even more determined as I walk.

Exhaustion and resolve work hand-in-hand for me. 

At the cafe, I hit the ground running. I manage the orders and brew the coffee, not letting the rush hour cause me any necessary panic. The orders come and go at a steady and fluid pace, making sure there are little to no mistakes, not wanting to cut any corners. 

The most taxing part is when a typical customer becomes rude and demanding. It’s a test of my patience, especially when they’re all worked up over a missing pump of vanilla in their drink—which I did add. I’m better off preserving my sanity than debating with them, though, so I bow my head, apologize, and carry on. 

It’s a toilsome endeavor, but I’m quick to resolve the issue before she can escalate it to my manager. I’ve learned that being honest and upfront with customers is the best approach, even if it means being a little blunt. Thankfully the customer handles it like a champ, but that’s only after she has been appeased with a free cookie. 

Sometimes our managers say to give rude and irate customers a small desert for free to avoid terrible mishaps. I sigh. 

“If only life accepts cookies,” I murmur, keying in on the cash register to ring in another order. “Thank you, that’d be $20.25 in total, please. We’ll call your name when your order’s up.”

When I finally clock out and make my way to the employee’s backroom, I’m already sighing, feeling the weight of the day’s work settle on my shoulders. But I quickly bolster myself, reminding myself that this is all part of building a better future.

Can’t climb a mountain by taking an imaginary escalator. Nope, you gotta hike. 

This is my everyday routine, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m determined to make the most of every opportunity and to keep pushing forward, even when it’s tough. And I know that with hard work and perseverance, I’ll be able to achieve my goals and create a life that I’m proud of. My dream flashes before my eyes - a bookshop that’s all mine, with cozy reading spots and coffee on tap.

I’m not stopping now.

I drag myself home that night, feeling utterly worn out from the long day of work. But as I approach my apartment, I see Mandy waiting at my front door, and my spirits are lifted. I just saw her two weeks ago, but who cares?

She greets me with a huge smile and a warm hug, and I can’t help but feel grateful for her friendship, practically melting into her hug. She laughs, holding me up playfully. 

“Hey, girl! I have some news,” Mandy exclaims, pulling out an invitation from her purse.

I’m taken aback for a moment before realizing what it is. 

“Oh my god, you're getting married?” I exclaim, feeling a mix of excitement and happiness for my friend. “Theo finally asked?”

Mandy nods, beaming with joy. “I can’t believe it either. It’s all happening so fast, but I’m so excited.”

I give her a tight hug, feeling my fatigue momentarily forgotten. It’s amazing to see my friend so happy, and it makes me feel grateful for the good things in life.

“Do you want to come in?” I ask, feeling a little ashamed that I don’t have much to offer in terms of food or drink.

Mandy shakes her head. “No, I still have a few more invitations to drop off. But I promise we’ll catch up soon for my bridal shower. Ooooh, I can’t wait to tell you all about it!” Her smile is contagious.

I nod, smiling and accepting the invitation then assuring her that I will be there for the wedding. 

As we say our goodbyes, I feel such immense gratitude for the one good thing that happened today in spite of everything. It is a reminder that even in the midst of hard work and endeavors, good things can still happen, and it’s important to hold onto them.

I look down at the invitation, happy to see my friend off before entering my apartment.