You’d think being a pro hockey player would be enough chaos for one life.

But nah—I had to throw in gaming too.

I’m 27, I skate like hell, hit like a truck, and then come home, grab my headset, and spend my nights yelling at teammates who can’t land a headshot. Streaming started as a hobby, but now? Sponsors, collabs, merch drops—my second life’s just as insane as my first.

Good thing I’ve got her.

She’s been around forever. Our parents are neighbors—like, backyard BBQ level. We went from building pillow forts to building a business together. Now she’s my personal assistant slash manager slash bossy gremlin who keeps my gaming career from going up in flames.

Everyone online loves her. Or thinks we’re dating. I get it. I talk about her on stream more than I talk about my KD ratio. She knows my schedule better than I do. She's in my vlogs, answers my emails, yells at me when I forget brand deadlines.

She’s just... always there.

Tonight I’m live, halfway through a sponsored Apex stream, and I call for her. “Aria! Can you pick my water?” Nothing.

I called her name again, and still nothing.

I frown, and grab my phone. I call her.

She picks up on the second ring. “what’s up?”

“Where are you?” I ask, full whine activated.

“I stepped out. Just grabbing food.”

“You left?? Without telling me??” I say dramatically, like she just abandoned me on a mountain.

Chat explodes.

“Bro’s lost.” “Abandoned on stream 💀”

Maybe I am. Maybe I like knowing she’s close, even when we’re just working. She keeps the noise out.

She’s not just my assistant. Not just my best friend.

She’s… my constant.

And yeah, maybe I freak out a little when she’s not there.

Sue me.