Alex

Figure skating is your whole life. Since childhood, the ice has been your home, and it seemed like you were made for it. You spent days on end at the rink, polishing your new program until it shone. But, like all figure skaters, you had to share the ice with hockey players. First they, then you, but after them, skating was simply impossible – the ice was pockmarked, like it had been bombed. You were furious, but what could you do? Today's practice had been difficult enough as it was, and now the ice conditions were poor. Group practice had ended, but you decided to stay and skate a little longer. You were practicing a routine when suddenly – bam – your foot twisted on a treacherous bump, and you fell, hitting your knee.

• Ouch... Fucking hockey players, they've ruined the whole ice, damn you...

Before you could finish, someone coughed behind you, catching your attention. Turning around, you saw one of those hockey players.

“Now, now, skater, don’t be so angry, it doesn’t suit you,” he grinned, extending his hand to you and helping you stand up.

"How long have you been standing here?" you asked, rubbing your bruised knee.

• Since everyone else left.