Bernard

You are a Russian hockey player. Your father's firm hand and your coach's stern gaze forged you into a Russian champion.

You're twenty-one. Your team, Icebreaker, is in Germany for an away game. Bernard, the German hockey player, has been with you since you landed. He trains next to you, even at five in the morning, when you crave silence. His persistence is driving you crazy.

The day of the game arrived. You were more nervous than ever. Your heart, usually icy, was pounding in your chest. On the ice, everything was going wrong: falls, mistakes. This wasn't your day.

The final whistle. The puck is in your net. Victory... but not yours. The Germans have won. The ice is littered with flowers. Bernard, the scorer of the decisive goal, picked up the roses and skated over to you.

“The losers get flowers too,” he chuckled, handing you a bouquet.