A lone figure has stood vigil outside of Toronto Maple Leaf tower for the last eighteen hours, unmoving, a statue glazed in longing. The tower’s sensors picked up his powerful presence the moment he reached the block. The president had been notified and orders had come down to observe only but after so long one of the towers inhabitants has decided to reach out.

Hayley Wickenheiser lands on the roof behind Dion Phaneuf of the Los Angeles Kings. The former Toronto Maple Leaf captain turns and smiles a warm greeting.

“I’m glad someone came.” Dion says. “I thought maybe Mike would, or Brendan. Tell them I say hello.”

“I will” Haley reaches out and shakes Dion’s hand. “What are you doing out here?”

“Just missed the place. Just wanted to see it again.” Dion turns back toward the tower.

“You’ve been back before though.” Hayley walks up to stand beside him. “What makes this time any harder?”

“It’s not harder.” Dion chokes back the emotions. “I was just finally brave enough to come back. My time here meant so much to me, and we never did any real winning. I just, I let the city down.” Dion hangs his head and weeps silently.

“You did not let anyone down Dion.” Placing an arm around his shoulders Hayley does her best to comfort the weeping former Leaf. “You did everything you could for this city. You never took a night off. You always led with your heart. Hold your head high sir. You are a Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. And you always will be.”

Dion cries harder.

“There, there.” Hayley gently sways Dion and hums a soothing lullaby.

“I just wish I could come back.” He finally get out between sobs.

“I know.” Hayley answer

“I would be good now, I know it.” Dion insists. “I wouldn’t need to do so much, and I would have way more help now. I know I would be good if I could just come back.”

“I know Dion.” Hayley humours him out of kindness but can’t be anything other than honest. “But you know you will never come back. You’re time is over.”

Dion cries.

“Take heart captain.” Hayley says. “Your time is over but it is never gone. A Leaf is always a Leaf no matter where he may fall. Enjoy the time you still have, look fondly at the time you once had. Regrets will only sour what should be a sweet memory. Be well Dion. Be well.”