CHAPTER 12

(AHVI'S POINT OF VIEW)

The stadium is empty since it's almost past 10 pm and I'm the only one left there, on the ice rink, trying to recreate the steps taught to me by the choreographer. While I have no struggle getting the spins and turns, my head is enveloped in thoughts of my Mom.

Since she'd always ignored me as a child by leaving me with my grandma, I never had a bond with her. I avoided her as a child because of the disgust in her eyes whenever she saw me; I only became accustomed to it as I grew older. She is in pain, as evidenced by the permanent look in her eyes, but how can I tell what she is feeling when I do not know what she has been through?

I have become accustomed to her being referred to as a mistake and a mishap. I grew up feeling unwanted and unloved and she thinks I'm being inconsiderate when she asks me to do the absurdist things.

“Your feet placement is wrong,”

The unexpected voice causes me to turn, but I slide on the ice and land up on my ass. “Ouch!” I cry o