Frozen
December 13th, 2020
Starring: Dad (male, early 70’s), Son 1 (male, 50ish), Grandson (male, 10)
Holiday break. The local pond, frozen solid. Dad and Son 1 are standing in hockey skates, watching Grandson skate smooth, confidant circles around the pond with a stick and puck:
SON 1
You think he’s got it?
DAD
It?
SON 1
It. What it takes.
DAD
He’s ten.
SON 1
Coach says scouts will be watching by grade eight.
DAD
He needs to grow.
SON 1
He’s got the skills already. They’re only going to improve with size.
…
You don’t agree?
DAD
He’s very gifted.
SON 1
You’re saying it like it’s a bad thing.
DAD
It could be.
SON 1
He’s a good kid. He’s not gonna turn into some diva who thinks they’re God’s gift to ice.
DAD
Not why I’m nervous.
SON 1
He’s got the instinct. He’s a softie, but he can check like a mofo. You’ve seen him—
DAD
He hits hard.
SON 1
So I’m not seeing where the worry’s coming from. He’s on track. He’s exactly where he needs to be.
DAD
For what?
SON 1
To do it, Dad. Go D-I, get drafted—
DAD
When I was ten, I wanted to be a pharmacist.
SON 1
But you didn’t...
DAD
I’m saying, life happens. Brains develop, shit changes. The dream should not be the foregone conclusion.
SON 1
And where did the dream come from? From me, the product manager, or from pop-pop, the longest tenured ref in the NHL? He grew up with it from you, he learned from you, he wants to play in a game with you. He’s pushing himself, you’re the influence, and I’m the hand on his back. He wants it, and I want it for him. But I don’t think you do.
DAD
I don’t. I’ll never tell him, but I don’t.
I see the hits. I see the science. I know too much to support it.
SON 1
So why won’t you say something?
DAD
I’m not his Dad.
SON 1
It’s gonna mean nothing coming from me.
DAD
I’m not getting involved.
SON 1
Well it’s putting me in a shit spot.
DAD
Welcome to parenthood.
…
…
SON 1
If he knew, it would break him.
DAD
That’s the only thing I don’t want.
The puck gets away from Grandson and skids near the two of them. Dad stops the puck with his skate. He picks it up, starting to skate over Grandson in the middle of the pond. He turns back to Son 1:
DAD
My lips are zipped. If he’s happy, I am.
Dad skates away, smooth and confidant. Son 1 looks on.