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Two Months Later: Rylan

T he Vancouver rehab facility is beautiful in the winter sunlight, with snow dusting the evergreens surrounding the buildings. Or maybe it's just that Dad looks different. He's clear-eyed and present in a way I haven't seen since before we lost Nick.

"Team's playing well," Dad says, pushing a coffee across the table to me. "Been watching all the games. That power-play goal against Edmonton last night was something else."

The casual way he talks about hockey now, actually following the games instead of just pretending to, makes my chest warm. "Yeah, we're really clicking. Carson thinks he can keep the core group together if we keep performing like this."

"Good. Though..." Dad's expression turns knowing. "Lou seemed a bit off in the third. Tremblay usually makes those glove saves look easy."

I blink, surprised by his observation. Louis has been favoring his right side lately, but he keeps insisting he's fine. "Maybe. He's, uh, probably just tired."

Dad nods, not pushing. Another change - he's learned when to let things breathe. "So," his smile turns slightly nervous. "Jamie's coming up with you next time, right?"

"If you're sure you're ready. We can wait-"

"No, I want to meet him properly." Dad's voice is firm. "Alexandra's been..." He pulls a book out from beside his chair. "She's been so kind. Sent me some resources, and said I could call anytime. Even suggested some support groups in Vancouver for when I finish the program."

I catch the title: "Supporting Your LGBTQ+ Child: A Guide for Parents." The Post-it notes sticking out of various pages are covered in Alexandra's distinctive handwriting.

"She's not..." I search for the right words. "She's not overwhelming you?"

Dad's laugh is genuine - a sound I'd almost forgotten. "No, she's... she's good at reading people. Knows when to push and when to step back." He looks down at the book. "Actually, I've been thinking... There's a good outpatient program here in Vancouver. And the winters are easier than back home..."

My heart skips. "Dad?"

"Might be nice," he says carefully. "Being closer. Getting a fresh start. And your Jamie's family seems to visit Seattle pretty often..."

"They'd love having you closer," I say softly. "We all would."

His eyes get a bit misty. "Your mother would have loved all this, you know. The Pirellis, Jamie... she always said you needed someone who could make you laugh. Make you less..." He gestures vaguely at me. "Rigid."

"Yeah?" Something in my chest loosens at hearing him talk about Mom without immediately reaching for a drink.

"Oh yeah." He smiles. He taps the book. "Alexandra said something about Jamie wanting to reorganize your kitchen?"

I groan, but I'm smiling. "He says my organizational system is 'suffocating the creativity of the space.' Can you believe that? My perfectly labeled-"

"Storage containers might benefit from some chaos?" Dad's eyes twinkle. "Smart boy, that Jamie."

"Dad..."

"I know, I know." He reaches across the table, his hand steady as it covers mine. "I just... I'm glad you found someone who sees you. Really sees you." His voice roughens. "I'm sorry it took me so long to do the same."

My eyes burn. "You're here now. That's what matters."

My phone buzzes. It's Jamie sending a photo of what appears to be multiple Italian cookbooks spread across his coffee table. The caption reads: "Mom's giving me a crash course before I meet Roger. Don't worry, I promise not to overwhelm him with too much Pirelli chaos at once. Love you."

I find myself smiling, really smiling, as I hug my dad goodbye and head home to my beautifully imperfect life.

Thanks so much for reading Rylan! I hope you loved Rylan & Jamie's story!