Michael had not stopped beaming since the moment he had seen his friends, preparing to tell them about his new-found happiness.

They were presently in their usual playing ground—a hockey field, where they’ve always been right since when they were all in elementary school.

“Is it just me, or you too are seeing the lasting smile on Michael’s face?” Joshua was the one spoke first as he stepped back from his locker to inspect Michael face carefully.

Scott, who was done dressing and was about to wear his helmet, paused and stared at Michael’s face intently as if he wanted to see something behind his eyes.

“Not to exaggerate, the...