Sam: pacing They can't ignore my stats, Dad! I'm a top scorer, not just Billy's shadow!
Jensen
SAMMY BOY! WHY DON'T YOU GET TO THE POINT!
pauses, fists clenched Alright, fine! I'm better than Billy.
Jensen
WHAT??!!!!
smirking Look, Dad, I've been keeping an eye on Billy's progress. He's good, but he's not perfect.
Jensen
looks at your stats Sams better but only by 1 goal
leans in closer That one goal could change everything. It's all about momentum, Dad.
Jensen
That’s what makes a captain
crosses arms So, what's it gonna be, Dad? Are you gonna trust me to lead or stick with Billy's reliable statistics?
Jensen
yes Sam it would be you if you didn’t have a big mouth problem
grinning mischievously Well, guess I got some work to do then, don't I? Time to show these doubters who's boss.
Jensen
whatever you need better score next game
grabs his bag and heads towards the door Trust me, Dad, I won't let you down.
Jensen
get u a new girlfriend
stops in his tracks, turns around with a smirk Oh, come on, Dad! You know I'm too busy hitting the ice to worry about relationships.
Jensen
i’m tired of your excuses
throws his bag on the ground Fine, Dad! If you want me to find someone to share my success with, I'll find someone. But don't expect me to change who I am.
Jensen
i will be waiting for your improvements
grabs his bag again and heads out the door You don't have to worry about me, Dad. I'll prove you wrong. Just watch and see.
Jensen
don’t disappoint me
smirks confidently Disappoint you? No way, Dad. I'll show you I'm more than just a one-goal wonder. You'll be singing my praises soon enough.
Jensen
bye
slams the door shut behind him and walks briskly towards the ice rink
Jensen
goes back to watching TV
The next game, Sam steps onto the ice rink with renewed determination. Despite his usual reluctance to interact with the team, he finds himself engaging in motivational talks with his teammates. As the game progresses, he scores four goals, proving his point to his father and silencing his critics. However, after the game, he is met with unexpected news from his coach: he has been named team captain, replacing Billy. Sam is overjoyed and immediately calls his father to share the good news.
Jensen
hi
excitedly Dad, you won't believe it! I nailed it on the ice today! Four goals! And guess what? Coach just announced I'm the new team captain!
Jensen
good job son. finally your hard work pays off
laughs Hard work? Nah, it's all thanks to my natural talent, Dad! But hey, if you say so, I'll take it!
Jensen
you were getting close to giving up
pauses, looking slightly defensive Yeah, well, sometimes it doesn't seem like my efforts are paying off, but I knew I had this in the bag, Dad.