Contents
37. Ryan
Overview
After a narrow loss leaves the Devils on the brink, Ryan faces pointed press questions about pressure and trade rumors, publicly projecting confidence despite private strain. Exhausted, he returns home planning to rest with Indy, but instead discovers her positive pregnancy test, upending their immediate priorities and stakes.
Summary
Ryan fields a tense morning press conference after a two-point loss to Sacramento, which leaves the Devils needing to win their final two games to make the playoffs. Running on no sleep, he bristles at a reporter’s obvious questions and admits the loss is on him after missing the game-winning three.
Pressed about league rumors that he could be traded if the Devils miss the postseason, Ryan lies that he doesn’t feel pressure, insisting the team will get it done. He clocks GM Ron Morgan’s unreadable reaction, while privately acknowledging intense stress tied to his role, the city’s expectations, and his loved ones’ roots in Chicago.
Dragging himself home, Ryan looks for Indy, who’s out grabbing coffee and texts that she has something exciting to share. Planning to crash with her, he sits on the entryway bench to remove his shoes and notices a plastic stick under the leg.
When Ryan picks it up, he realizes it’s a pregnancy test unmistakably reading positive. Shocked and disbelieving—given their caution and Indy’s prior concerns—he understands Indy’s pending news and that their lives may be changing immediately.
Who Appears
- Ryan SheaDevils captain under playoff and trade-rumor pressure; faces the press, then discovers Indy’s positive pregnancy test.
- Indigo (Indy) LewisTexting Ryan that she has news; her positive pregnancy test is discovered at home.
- Ron MorganDevils GM present at the press conference; his unreadable reaction underscores trade-rumor pressure.
- Team media coordinatorManages the press conference, selecting questions during the tense session.
- ReporterChallenges Ryan with pointed questions about the loss and playoff pressure.