"What's San like when it comes to pressure?

t his best when the stakes are high. Some players crack under pressure, but San-he f

s' heated enthusiasm below tugged me in opposite directions. I attempted to concentrate on watching the players as my fingers held onto the e

e ice had been molded to his specifications. But despite my best efforts to focus, my thou

I hear

s. Above the scrape of skates and the murmur of voices, the sound drifted. As the wel

tical. We had danc

a's dimmed lights, and the way we had glided in unison as if our hearts were beating in time. It was a searing, merciless

I had to get out before

y steps erratic and fast. By the time I arrived at the outer entrance, the hall had become quieter and colde

ict

n antique picture. The picture was clear: me, younger and more radiant, with my girlfriend at my side, grinning wildly. With

under the pict

corridor, and my chest constricted. Unrelentingly, memories rushed forward

Zain, we s

my knees felt weak. As if no time had gone, the anguish was crushing, intense, and new.

a battle between loss and want. This was no longer only a task. San and the tale I was meant to tell weren't the only t

play. And as I stood there, torn between the past and the present, I f

ous grip I had on myself. Unevenly, my chest rose and fell as the weight of my re

d the ice had served as more than just a skating surface-it was a home and a haven. And the person who had m

ingers moved over the glass, following his form as though I could somehow draw him back, as though just thin

ad played on the day we won was the same one. It was the same music that we had skated to in perfect unison, a routine

was gon

ue to the tears. Beneath the picture, the trophy was displayed with pride, its shiny surface gleaming

ating Champio

he and I took that last bow, arms wrapped around one another, hearts thumping in time, I co

st another piece of history, I had no idea it was here. To me, however, it was more than simply history;

ai

he corridor, his brow wrinkled in anxiety, when I turned abruptly. With his hands stuffed into

e, acting as if I hadn't just been sobbing. I attempted

or. He paused a few feet away and looked from the screen to me. Hi

you, isn't it?" but it w

like the earth was giving way under my feet. I attempted to settle myself and conceal

anything," in a steady but low voice. "But... you kn

head. "I thought I was done wit

igh. "Moving on doesn't mean forgetting, Zain. It doesn't mean you s