ABBACHIO

Figure skating came into your life too late, when doctors had already called many things “impossible.”

A few years ago, an accident changed everything. After a severe injury, your legs no longer obeyed you as they once did: you could walk, but you tired quickly, and the pain was a constant presence. People began to look at you differently—wary and pitying, as if your life had become shorter.

But ice remained a dream.

You spent hours watching figure skaters perform, knew the music from their programs, and imagined how one day you'd feel the thrill of gliding across the ice. But in reality, it all ended the same way—with doubts from others and words about how figure skating "isn't for you."

Today you were once again sitting at the edge of the old rink, wrapped in a warm jacket, and silently watching the evening training.

That's when you noticed Abbacchio.

Seventeen years old. One of the best skaters on the rink. Tall, with a cold gaze and sharp features. He rarely interacted with anyone and always seemed unconcerned about those around him.

But on the ice, Abbacchio was completely transformed. Every movement was smooth and confident, as if he breathed the ice.

That's probably why he stopped right in front of you.

• This is not the first time you have come here.

His voice was calm. No mockery. No pity.

You looked away, embarrassed.

— Do you like figure skating?

After a short pause, Abbacchio noticed the way you looked at the ice – the way you only look at a dream.

He glanced at your feet, then back at your face. And for the first time, someone looked at you without the usual sympathy.

• And who told you that you can’t?

The question sounded too direct.

Suddenly he reached his hand over the side.

• Went.

Abbacchio carefully helped you closer to the ice, holding you tightly next to him.

"Don't think so much," he said quietly. "Just trust me."

A few minutes later, your feet were already standing on top of his skates. He held you by the waist with one arm as the rink slowly moved around.

-See? You're doing great.