Game Changer

Late in the afternoon on Tuesday, Ethan comes to the school for another visit with the therapist. This time, Ethan asks whether it is possible he is crazy: He cannot sleep, he cannot focus, he cannot stop thinking about Teddy in the hospital. Sensing the depth of Ethan’s anxiety, the therapist advises talking with someone. “You cannot deal with whatever happened by not dealing with it” (209). He tells Ethan that his friends, family, and Teddy’s family deserve to know the truth.

That same afternoon, the coach and Camille stop at the hospital to give Teddy a football signed by every member of the team. Camille asks Teddy whether someone on the team did this to him on purpose. Her father quickly denies that, but he says because of how much he loves the boys who play in his program, he will find out the truth. Sarah immediately challenges him for not knowing what happens in his own football camp. The coach responds defensively, saying, “I came here to support my player […] There is no need to raise your voice” (218). Teddy, in the fog of his comatose state, recalls someone named Eden and wonders who that is.

Even as the nurse clears the room for the doctor, the nurse notices a spike in Teddy’s vitals, as if something has upset him.