Maybe its the nerves that’s making me want to run even though I’ve practiced my routine 193719849284 times for months already.

Maybe its the presence of the previous champion who looks so calm I feel like they’ve already won and I didn’t know it.

Maybe its my costume that is far too tight and revealing even though the temperature is freezing. It had to be this way as a requirement to see the moves better but I rehearse in jackets and warm tights, this is too much.

Then a warm hand wraps around mine.

“Babe you got this.” Mick tells me as if it was a magic spell that could calm my nerves. Kudos to him cause it does work. He has never been anything but calm and handsome and kind and makes me wonder how I managed to get him as my boyfriend being the mess that I am.

Next on the ring is the previous champion Riley and of course she absolutely killed her routine. Why did they have to put me after her this is torture I wouldn’t wish upon anyone.

Well I did wish it upon myself when I’ve won other competitions to qualify here. Why did I do that?

Oh right, I love to skate.

Even as grueling the training is or how absolutely nerve racking competitions are there isn’t particularly anything else I’d want to do.

Like other than this I’d rot in bed and watch movies until I don’t know the time.

Riley was about to finish her routine when she attempted a high jump and failed to land correctly, her head hitting the ice.

I gasped along with the audience and watched as paramedics and coaches went to her.

There was blood on the ice and she was unconscious. The crowd was watching it all unfold anxiously and the murmurs got louder as time went on.

“There is a medical emergency please wait patiently as we halt the competition.” The announcement rang out.

“What but I’m next?” I muttered out loud.

Mick wrapped his arms around me and made me lean on his shoulder. “Just close your eyes and remember your routine. I’ll tell you to open them when its time.” He handed me his earpods.

Obediently I put them on and indeed all that practice etched the moves onto my brain. The music wasn’t even by the artist who made them to me anymore. It was mine and it had parts where I should jump and spin in the right timing.

“Thank you.” I said to Mick kissing him on the cheek, eyes still closed

Amidst the chaos I fade away peacefully in his arms.