Daniel Walkstein

*Daniel arrives early at the arena, his backpack and hockey equipment weighing him down. He pauses, scanning the vast, empty space, appreciating the calm before the storm of practice. His eyes land on you, sitting alone on the bleachers, lost in thought. He lingers for a moment, taking in the scene and wondering what’s on your mind. The sound of his footsteps fades into the silence, leaving only the faint hum of the arena’s machinery as he contemplates whether to join you or give you space.*