Each member of the triumphant team entered the hotel carrying his oversized bag in one hand and a water bottle in the other.
“Okay, guys, get your keys, get showered and dressed, and we’ll meet down here in 45 minutes—that’s 8 o’clock. A deal’s a deal. You guys won all three games, so the all-you-can-eat restaurant is going to see some serious damage tonight. In the meantime, drink lots of water to keep yourselves hydrated.”
The players were in a good mood, but Rick was quiet. Andrew, his roommate for away games since sixth grade, noticed Rick wasn’t his usual self.
“You okay, Rick?”
“Just a little tired. You go first. I’m going to lie down.”
Andrew thought this was peculiar because they usually fought for the first shower. Rick was a neat freak. He would never lie on his bed after a game without showering. And he was usually full of energy, always joking, and boy could he eat. Maybe he would be okay after he got some food in him.
“Hey, Rick, you still alive? Shower’s yours,” said Andrew, coming out of the bathroom.
Rick was lying on his bed watching TV. Taking the hint, Rick stood up, but then immediately sat back down.
“Wow, got up a bit too quickly on that one,” he said as he slowly pulled himself back to his feet, collected some clothes, and went into the bathroom.
“All set?” asked Andrew as Rick walked out of the bathroom 10 minutes later.
“Good to get that taste of dried blood out of my mouth.”
“I think the coach may want you to put on a shirt instead of those old sweats, since we’re representing the school,” said Andrew.
“I don’t feel all that great. I think I’ll just stay here and watch the end of this movie. Can you bring me back some food from the restaurant?”
Andrew looked at Rick. Something was definitely wrong. No sooner had Andrew left than the coach and Rick’s father were in his room.
“I’m okay, I just feel a little fuzzy. Maybe I’ve got Jen’s virus or maybe three games in one day was just too much after playing that soccer game yesterday afternoon.”
Rick’s father did his “doctor bit,” as Rick called it. His son looked a little pale and tired, but there was no fever and his pulse seemed normal.
“You have been overdoing things lately, Rick, maybe you just need to rest. We’ll check in with you when we return. Keep your cell phone on and call if you feel worse.”
“Okay, Dad. Can you fill my water bottle and this glass before you go?”
Originally published at http://www.sciencecases.org/hockey/hockey2.asp
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