Page 81 of The Callahan Effect

"Saturday."

"And where are you?"

"Providence Sacred Heart."

"Who's the President?"

I answered without hesitation.

She scribbled another note before resting the chart against the end of the bed.

"I'm very happy with your progress. The concussion is settling exactly as I'd expect, and your hip repair looks excellent."

"I was hoping you'd say I could play next weekend."

Dr. Juneau folded her arms and pierced me with a glare.

"Not a chance."

"I had to ask."

"No, you didn't."

"It’s my duty," I quipped.

She laughed quietly before becoming more serious.

"Mason, I know athletes always want a timetable, so I'm going to give you one but you won’t be happy."

The room grew noticeably quieter.

"The laceration itself has been repaired very successfully, but the damage to the muscles around your hip was significant. They need time to heal properly. If you rush back too soon and tear those repairs, you'll be right back in surgery."

I already knew where this was heading.

"How long?"

"I don't want you returning to hockey for eight weeks."

I stared at her.

"Eight!"

"I said you wouldn't be happy."

"Coach's going to have a heart attack."

"Coach's welcome to call me if he'd like to argue."

Dad chuckled.

"I'd actually pay to watch that conversation."

"So would I," Corey admitted.

Dr. Juneau smiled before continuing.

"That doesn't mean you'll spend the next eight weeks sitting around. Physical therapy starts almost immediately. Around the three-week mark I'll reassess you. If everything's healing the way I expect, I'll clear you for some very gentle skating."