Letting Go Theory

                                    

                                          
Artemi
                          
The hawks lost in game seven sending the Blues to the WCSF and us home to Chicago. It was a bit disappointing to only have seven post season games this year, but as one door closes other one opens. 
                          
As soon as I did my exit interview one of my friends from SKA back in the KHL texted me about playing in the iihf tournament and I figured I might as well. Keep my legs fresh and it's always a honor to play for team Russia. I can catch up with a bunch of guys and have a chance to go home for a little. 
                          
And surprisingly enough I was able to convince Gabriella to come with me. I think it's because she leaves in August and she doesn't want to separate yet and because she's always wanted to travel. But regardless of why she was coming with, that made me so happy. That and I insisted she bring Hank. I kinda loved that dog. 
                          
We arrive early, or late depending on if you were in Chicago time or Korkino time, a Saturday morning. We grab our things from baggage claim and find Hank before hoping in a rental van. Once it was all loaded up we start our trek to my childhood home. 
                          
"This place is amazing" Gabby gasps with her head out the window. Then there was Hanks who's head was actually out the window. 
                          
"It's naturally beautiful, just like you" I smirk and she rolls her eyes. 
                          
"Suck up" she mumbles causing me to chuckle. 
                          
We continue to drive and we get closer and closer. I couldn't wait for her to meet my grandparents and have all my favorite people in one spot. They were just as excited to meet her as she was to meet them. 
                          
"What was it like growing up here" she asks as we stroll into town. 
                          
"It was kind of boring. It's just a small village, not much to see here. But I had a lot of friends and a lot of good times, so nothing I can complain about" I shrug. 
                          
"It's so amazing" she sighs as I roll to a red light. I turn my head to look at her as she gazed out the window. It's times like this I know for a fact I am the luckiest man in the world. 
                          
Finally we make it to my house and I smile. I see smoke coming out of the chimney and I know that meant my grandma was cooking. 
                          
We don't bother with the luggage at first so we grab Hank and walk to the door. I knock before returning to Gabriella's side and wrapping my arm around her. 
                          
My grandma opens the door and the first thing she does is pull Gabby and I into a hug. Not even a hi or what's your name, just a hug. 
                          
"Oh I'm so excited you guys are here" she cheers before letting us go. 
                          
"Hi Grandma" I smile. 
                          
"Hello baby. We've missed you so much" she says kissing my cheek. 
                          
"I've missed you too. And Grandma this is my lovely girlfriend Gabriella. Gab, this is my grandma, Nina" I introduce. 
                          
"It's a pleasure to meet you" Gabby smiles. 
                          
"You too sweetie. Artemi has told me so many wonderful things about you. I heard you got a big dancing gig" she says. 
                          
"I did" Gabby nods. 
                          
"Oh I used to dance. I loved it. Would you by any chance want a cup of tea" my grandma asks. 
                          
"I would love one" she admits. My grandma lets us in and Hank inspects the place. I find my grandpa in my old room looking up at all my accolades and jerseys that hung up on my wall. 
                          
"I was pretty cute, wasn't I" I tease and he turns around. 
                          
"Son! I've missed you so" he claims pulling me in a hug. 
                          
"I've missed you too" I smile. 
                          
"Glad you were able to make it back alive" he jokes. 
                          
"I told you Grandpa, I wasn't going to get hurt. I know those guys are bigger and faster on smaller ice but this is hockey. You taught me well enough to defend myself while still producing" I assure him. 
                          
"I know. I never missed a game. And I hate to admit it, but you were right. You could do it and you did" he nods. 
                          
"Thanks. So tell me, how have things been around here since I left" I wonder. 
                          
"A lot quieter, that's for sure" he teases and I roll my eyes. "But pretty boring. Nina has no one to baby and I have no one to yell at" he laughs. 
                          
"What are you talking about? You yell at me over the phone on a nightly basis" I laugh. 
                          
"It's not the same" he defends. 
                          
"It's not. But I'm happy I'm home so I can see the disappointment in your face" I smirk. 
                          
"You've made me nothing but proud. Both on and off the ice" he claims. "And speaking of off ice achievements, where is this girlfriend of yours" he asks. 
                          
"Grandma stole her" I tell him and he laughs. 
                          
"Figured. She's probably telling her dancing stories" he shakes his head. 
                          
"Well she already loves it here so I don't have to worry about it. Just trying to make the best of our time together before she leaves" I sigh. 
                          
"When is that" he asks. 
                          
"The end of the summer. It feels like forever away but I know I'm going to get to that day and want all of these ones back" I shake my head. 
                          
"I know you're scared, sending someone off to a far off land to chase their dreams. You're conflicted because you are happy for them but sad because you can't be there for it. To tell them you're proud and that they mean the world to you.  I had to do the same thing when I let you go, and look how good that turned out" he explains. 
                          
"I'm doing pretty good" I admit. 
                          
We find the girls in the kitchen talking and cooking to no ones surprise. I introduce Gabby to my grandpa before we help them with dinner. It wasn't all that late but we were definitely jet lagged. 
                          
After dinner we clean up and let Hank out back. Gabby sat on the porch looking up at the sky and I join her. 
                          
"Watcha thinking about" I ask. 
                          
"I'm trying to figure out how you ever left this place. It's perfect" she claims. 
                          
"Because I know there's more out there than this little town" I insist. 
                          
"Maybe, but what more could you need? You Grandma how shown me more maternal love than anyone has my whole life and I've known her for hours. She only says the most positive of things. She is living proof that there is more out there but sometimes you don't need more. This life, this is who you are. And it's so beautiful" she explains. 
                          
"This is my home" I smile. 
                          
"I love it. I mean just look at the stars. You will never see stars like that in Chicago because of how much is going on there. But here all you see is the stars in the sky surrounding us. It's amazing" she sighs. 
                          
"Wow, I may never get you back home" I tease. 
                          
"At this point you're not" she agrees. 
                          
She rests her head on my shoulder as we watch Hank run around chasing lightning bugs. Eventually he comes over and lays his head in my lap. 
                          
"You guys look tired" I admit. 
                          
"I'm exhausted" Gabby claims.  
                          
"Let's go to bed" I encourage. 
                          
We all get up and go in to wash up before we went to sleep. We change and climb into bed. The bed was a little small for the both of us, but I wasn't going to complain.