Page 52 of Drop Pass

“Kozlov! I’ve got a reply.” The entire room seemed to turn and look at Coach Romney. “The governor got your application in the hands of the right person. Your file will be reviewed first thing tomorrow.”

My jaw dropped and Elena squeezed my shoulder.

“That’s amazing.”

Coach nodded. “It seems you have some fans on Capitol Hill.”

Someone let out a low whistle.

Between John and Coach pushing different angles for the last several hours, things somehow got pushed through. I thought it would take months to get anyone to listen to my case, but miracles happened.

“Talk about athlete privilege,” Elena said with a smirk.

“Hey, you know we don’t abuse it,” Hartman called.

She nodded. “I’m grateful.”

It felt a little wrong that there were people waiting months or years to be heard and I’d got pushed to the front of the line within hours, but I’d focus on that later. Maybe I could support an organization that helps immigrants in these situations. Right now, I had to think of helping Yula.

“That means you can submit an affidavit to sponsor the,” Elena said, grinning wide.

“That can take years. John told me a few weeks ago.”

Her hand found mine. “You’ve got to believe we can do this. Look at how much has already happened.”

I nodded. We’d accomplished more than I thought would happen in months. It was taking a lot of personal favors and connections, and I appreciated everyone’s willingness to reach out. I couldn’t give up.

* * *

Flying to Detroit right now was the very last thing I wanted to do, but I didn’t have a choice. Everyone on the team had reassured me we could get things done just as well from there.

Elena had wanted to come with us, but was having to work doubles since another member of the weather team was out sick.

“Hey Nikolay.” I looked up from lacing my skates to see Reese walking over. “Chloe texted me. She said Dr. Thompson reviewed Yula’s records and the latest tests.”

He paused and I nodded. “What did she say?”

“Part of me wanted to wait until after the game to tell you, but I didn’t think that was fair.” He sighed. “It’s Hodgkins Lymphoma. Cancer that started in her Lymph nodes.”

“How easy is it to treat?”

“She won’t know for sure until she sees Yula and is able to run more tests, but from what she saw it looks like only two areas are affected. She thinks it will be treatable with chemo.”

I cringed. I knew that was likely the treatment, but I hated the idea of my littlest sister enduring that.

I wanted to take this from her. If there was any way I could trade places I would in a heartbeat. If I could take away any portion of her suffering I would, no matter what it meant for me.

“So, she thinks she can treat it?”

“Yeah, it’s a bit harder because of how young Yula is, but she thinks they can.”

I felt better knowing the team in Utah was confident. For some reason the doctors at the hospital in Moscow didn’t think they could treat her. It was frustrating, but at least they were honest. They didn’t specialize in cancer, let alone pediatric cases. I wanted Yula to be treated by the very best.

“Thanks for telling me.”

He nodded. “I know it’s hard, but you need to push this out for the next few hours. Focus on the game, do your job, and then we can get back to work on getting your sister here. Okay?”

I nodded.