Page 28 of Penalty Shot

Randall:Have a good night.

Elise:You too.

March 28

Randall:What’s up?

Elise:Not much. You?

Randall:Had a road game in Vancouver and saw my brothers.

Elise:Just your brothers?

Randall:Dad was too busy to go to the game.

Elise:How about your mom?

Randall:She died six years ago.

Elise:I’m sorry, Randall. That must have been hard.

Randall:The leukemia was diagnosed the summer before I was heading to Boston College on a hockey scholarship. I stayed in town instead. Joined a junior team so I could be there till the end.

Elise:She must have cherished every minute you spent with her. I’m so sorry.

Randall:Anyway, it’s Dad and my brothers James and Charles at home.

Elise:At least your brothers came. That’s good right?

Randall:They asked for Lance’s autograph and wanted to meet the team.

Elise:Lance who?

Randall:Lance is the star forward for the Mavericks.

Elise:As far as I’m concerned, you’re the star of the Mavericks.

Randall:Not according to my brothers. They think I’m a joke.

Elise:Fuck them, they sound like assholes.[Deleted]

Elise:You’re not a joke.

About ten minutes later…

Elise:Your brothers’ loss for not asking for your autograph.

About ten minutes later…

Elise:They’re proud of you, Randall. Sometimes it’s hard for siblings to show emotions. At least they recognize what a big deal it is that you’re part of a great team.

Elise:Also, hockey is the best sport in the world and you get to do it every day.

Randall:You didn’t even know the Mavericks existed till a few weeks ago.

Elise:I’m a fast learner.

Randall:Didn’t mean to be a bummer. Thanks for letting me get it off my chest.