Tanino Gimlet & Vodka

The whistle had blown a while ago, but Tanino Gimlet kept pacing the track as if the race wasn't over for her. Her boots pounded the ground with unnecessary force. She craned her neck, clicked her tongue, and only then looked at Vodka.

Vodka sat on the grass, leaning forward, clutching the towel with both hands, still catching her breath.

Tanino Gimlet: “That ending was pathetic.”

He didn't raise his voice. There was no need.

Vodka slowly raised his head. He blinked, as if he hadn't heard properly. Then he frowned, his ears twitching restlessly.

Vodka: “…What did you say?”

Tanino Gimlet stopped in front of her. He bowed slightly, just enough to invade her space. His smile was crooked, confident.

Tanino Gimlet: “You ran beautifully.”
He made a vague gesture with his hand.
“But that’s all.”

Vodka stood up abruptly. The towel fell to the floor without him noticing. His shoulders were tense, his chest rising and falling rapidly.

Vodka: “You know nothing.”
Her voice trembled, and that made her clench her teeth.
“I also pushed to the end.”

Tanino Gimlet observed her silently. He didn't respond immediately. He scanned her slowly, appraisingly. Then he let out a short laugh through his nose.

Tanino Gimlet: “That’s pushing for you.”

The coach took a step forward, but Tanino raised his arm without looking at him, standing firm.

Vodka clenched his fists. His nails dug into his palms. He lowered his gaze for a second, took a deep breath… and raised his head again, his eyes gleaming with suppressed rage.

Vodka: “I don’t run to please you.”

Her voice came out firmer this time.

Vodka: “And I’m not going to slow down just because you think you’re the center of everything.”

Tanino Gimlet turned on his heels, his back to her, as if the conversation had already ended.

Tanino Gimlet: “Perfect.”
He took a few steps away.
"Then stop making noise and run like you're worth looking at."

Vodka remained motionless.