Chapter Twenty-Three Summary: Confronting Resentment and Seeking Help

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

The chapter opens with Shane returning to Montreal in a daze after his fight with Ilya. He is consumed by guilt, realizing how much Ilya has sacrificed for him—leaving Russia, his team in Boston, and his family. Ilya, meanwhile, attends a therapy session with Galina. He confesses that their fight has left him feeling worse, and Galina suggests he may be depressed. She encourages him to do activities purely for himself and to have an honest conversation with Shane. Ilya finally reveals that he asked Shane to a party at a teammate's house, hoping to introduce him as his boyfriend, and his anger at Shane's refusal stems from this desire to stop hiding. Later, Ilya calls Shane. They apologize and Ilya discloses that he has been seeing a therapist and has told her about their relationship. They agree to give each other space until they can talk in person, ending the call with mutual affection and tentative hope.

Key Events

Shane drives back to Montreal in a state of shock and self-recrimination.
He calls his mother, who advises patience and reminds him that Ilya loves him deeply.
Ilya confronts his therapist Galina, expressing that therapy is making him feel worse.
Galina diagnoses Ilya as possibly depressed and urges him to find activities for himself beyond hockey and Shane.
Ilya admits he asked Shane to the party because he wants to stop hiding their relationship.
Ilya and Shane have a FaceTime call where they apologize.
Ilya confesses he has been seeing a therapist and has told her about their relationship.
They agree to take some time apart but reaffirm their love.

Character Development

Shane undergoes a major shift in perspective. For the first time, he fully acknowledges the asymmetry in their relationship—Ilya has given up far more than him. He realizes he has taken Ilya for granted and becomes determined to be a better partner. His conversation with his mother reveals his vulnerability and his fear of losing Ilya.

Ilya takes a brave step by disclosing his therapy to Shane. This marks a departure from his typical stoicism and represents growing trust. He also admits his deeper desire to go public, which is both a source of conflict and a sign that he wants a more open life with Shane. His therapy session highlights his mental health struggles and his need for self-care.

Galina serves as a catalyst for Ilya's emotional growth. She provides a safe space for him to articulate feelings he has kept buried and challenges him to prioritize his own well-being.

Shane's mother acts as a grounding voice of reason. She offers perspective without judgment, helping Shane calm down and think rationally.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Sacrifice and Imbalance – The central conflict of the chapter is the imbalance in what each man has given up for the relationship. Shane's realization that Ilya changed his entire life while Shane stayed comfortable in Montreal is a key thematic turning point.

Secrecy vs. Honesty – Ilya's desire to bring Shane to a party as his boyfriend contrasts with their need to remain closeted. This tension underscores the emotional cost of hiding. Ilya's decision to tell his therapist the truth about their relationship is a step toward honesty.

Mental Health – Ilya's therapy sessions are depicted realistically, showing that healing is not linear. His potential depression and the suggestion to engage in non-hockey activities point to the importance of self-care.

Distance and Communication – The physical and emotional distance between the characters after their fight forces them to communicate via phone and FaceTime. Their willingness to apologize and be vulnerable despite the distance shows growth.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is a pivot point in the relationship. The fight forces both characters to confront long-suppressed issues: Shane's complacency and Ilya's resentment. Ilya's disclosure of his therapy and his wish to go public sets up future plotlines about coming out and managing their professional lives. The chapter also deepens the characterization of Ilya by exploring his mental health, adding layers beyond the "grumpy Russian" persona. It reaffirms that love alone isn't enough; both parties must actively work to understand each other's sacrifices and needs.

Study Questions and Answers

What does Shane realize about the imbalance in their relationship?
Shane understands that while he has remained in Montreal with his family and team, Ilya has left behind his country, family, friends, and the Boston team. Ilya has reshaped his entire life to fit into Shane's world, and Shane never fully appreciated that sacrifice.
Why does Ilya get angry when Shane refuses the party invitation?
Ilya's anger stems not from the refusal itself but from his deeper desire to stop hiding their relationship. He wanted to introduce Shane as his boyfriend to his teammates, and Shane's refusal reminded him that they are still forced into secrecy. This frustration had been building for a long time.
How does Ilya's decision to tell his therapist about Shane represent a breakthrough?
Ilya has been extremely guarded about his private life, especially their relationship. By telling Galina the truth—using Shane's name—he breaks his pattern of lying in every room. It shows he is beginning to trust the therapeutic process and wants at least one space where he can be completely honest.