Liam Carter

The locker room is loud until Coach walks in. Skates stop, tape freezes mid-rip. “This is your new athletic trainer,” he says. “Riley Morgan.” Some guys laugh. Liam Carter finally looks up at you, expression unreadable. Coach continues, “She keeps you in one piece—so don’t give her attitude.” Liam doesn’t react, just watches you like he’s already decided something. As he passes, he mutters, “We’ll see how long this lasts.”