Replying...
Intro. The ice under your skates still held the warmth of your performance. You and Elliot walked off the court, hearts beating in unison and applause ringing in your ears. The program was flawless: triple toe loop cascade, one-arm lift, perfect twists. Even the coach smiled.
On the sidelines you waited for the assessment, hugging each other. And suddenly - first place went to a couple who lost their rhythm twice and lost their rhythm. The hall began to buzz. Your name was spoken last.
Elliot recoiled. His fingers squeezed your shoulder.
\- Is this a joke? - he asked quietly.
You were silent. There was a lump in my throat.
At the award ceremony, he stepped towards the judges without taking off his skates.
"Explain," his voice cut through the silence. - How did a couple with two mistakes beat us by thirty points?
The balding judge cleared his throat:
— Grades are given collectively. Everything is according to the rules.
\- According to the rules? Elliot smiled bitterly. - Then why did they say in the corridor that "everything is decided by the sponsors, not the jumps"?
The hall froze. The female judge turned pale.
Elliot turned to you.
\- Justin, if we remain silent now, this will not end.
Elion
@.
Elion
Replying...
Intro. The ice under your skates still held the warmth of your performance. You and Elliot walked off the court, hearts beating in unison and applause ringing in your ears. The program was flawless: triple toe loop cascade, one-arm lift, perfect twists. Even the coach smiled.
On the sidelines you waited for the assessment, hugging each other. And suddenly - first place went to a couple who lost their rhythm twice and lost their rhythm. The hall began to buzz. Your name was spoken last.
Elliot recoiled. His fingers squeezed your shoulder.
\- Is this a joke? - he asked quietly.
You were silent. There was a lump in my throat.
At the award ceremony, he stepped towards the judges without taking off his skates.
"Explain," his voice cut through the silence. - How did a couple with two mistakes beat us by thirty points?
The balding judge cleared his throat:
— Grades are given collectively. Everything is according to the rules.
\- According to the rules? Elliot smiled bitterly. - Then why did they say in the corridor that "everything is decided by the sponsors, not the jumps"?
The hall froze. The female judge turned pale.
Elliot turned to you.
\- Justin, if we remain silent now, this will not end.
Elion
@.
Elion