Game Changers, #6
The Long Game
by Rachel Reid
Contents
Chapter Twenty-Three
Overview
Reeling after their Christmas fight, Shane spirals with guilt, confides in his mother, and recognizes Ilya’s quiet devotion through his Instagram. Meanwhile, Ilya tells his therapist the relationship strain and hears he may be depressed. The men reconnect via FaceTime, apologize, Ilya reveals ongoing therapy, and they agree to discuss everything in person after their schedules ease.
Summary
Shane drives back to Montreal in a haze after the Christmas blowup, haunted by Ilya’s “I already chose you.” Alone, he confronts how their life has centered on Ilya fitting into Shane’s world and fears he’s taken Ilya’s sacrifices for granted. He texts an apology, then calls his mother, who urges patience and reassures him of Ilya’s love.
Waiting for a reply, Shane scrolls Ilya’s Instagram and realizes many posts are coded love notes about their relationship. Overwhelmed, he breaks down, newly certain of Ilya’s devotion.
In Ottawa, Ilya arrives at his therapist Galina’s office devastated, saying therapy isn’t helping. Galina calmly frames his pressures, suggests he may be depressed, and encourages activities just for himself. Ilya admits inviting Shane to a teammate’s party came from a desperate desire to stop hiding, and that their secrecy and poor timing fed the fight. Galina urges an honest conversation.
Before Shane’s game, Ilya calls. On FaceTime, they both apologize: Ilya for the party invitation and anger; Shane for minimizing Ilya’s sacrifices. Ilya reveals he’s been seeing a Russian-speaking therapist for two months and told her about their relationship, wanting one place free of lies. Shane accepts this and expresses concern and love.
They agree that distance may help in the short term and promise to talk properly when they can be together. They part with gentle humor, reassured but aware a deeper conversation still awaits.
Who Appears
- Shane HollanderPanics after the fight, seeks advice from his mother, recognizes Ilya’s devotion via Instagram, apologizes and agrees to talk later.
- Ilya RozanovStruggles after the fight, consults therapist, hears he may be depressed, admits party invite came from wanting openness, reconciles by FaceTime.
- GalinaIlya’s therapist; identifies depressive symptoms, contextualizes his pressures, and urges honest communication and self-focused activities.
- Shane’s momCalms Shane, reassures him of Ilya’s love, and advises patience and real conversation.