The Play

What I learned after last year’s distractions cost my hockey team our entire season? No more screwing up.

What I learned after last year’s distractions cost my hockey team our entire season? No more screwing up. No more screwing, period. A drastic vow. Hunter Davenport, the new captain of the Briar hockey team, begins his junior year with a self-imposed celibacy vow. This extreme measure stems from a disastrous previous season where his romantic entanglements led to a broken wrist and his team's failure to reach the national championship. He believes that abstaining from sex will eliminate distractions and allow him to focus solely on leading his team to victory. Fear of repetition. Hunter's decision is deeply rooted in his family history, particularly his father's infidelity and narcissistic tendencies. He fears inheriting his father's "debauchery" and the destructive impact it had on his family. His celibacy is not just about hockey; it's a desperate attempt to prove to himself that he can control his impulses and avoid becoming the man he despises. An internal struggle. Despite his firm resolve, Hunter's celibacy is a constant source of torment. He finds himself easily aroused by everyday interactions and struggles with intense sexual frustration, often resorting to solitary acts. This internal battle highlights the immense pressure he places on himself to be different from his father and a "good" captain, even at the cost of his own desires.

We’ve been dating since the eighth grade. Our relationship has had its ups and downs over the years, with some breaks along the way, but we survived every single hurdle, and we’ll survive this, too. A seemingly stable relationship. Demi Davis, a pre-med student with a passion for psychology, has been in a relationship with Nico since middle school. Their long history and shared experiences have created a sense of security and inevitability around their future together. Demi genuinely believes in their bond, often dismissing any doubts or external observations about Nico's character. Ignoring red flags. Despite her intelligence and keen psychological insight, Demi exhibits a significant blind spot when it comes to Nico. She rationalizes his behavior, such as his lack of sexual enthusiasm or his evasiveness, and dismisses warnings from friends like Hunter. Her deep emotional investment and the comfort of their long-standing relationship prevent her from seeing the truth about his actions. The illusion of perfection. Demi's family, particularly her parents, also hold Nico in high regard, viewing him as a future son-in-law. This external validation further reinforces Demi's perception of their perfect relationship, making it harder for her to confront any uncomfortable truths. The pressure to maintain this image contributes to her reluctance to question Nico's loyalty.