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Fiona had just put the Zamboni away when she received the text from Sylvie that she was waiting outside.



She responded before sliding the guards over her ice skating blades. While the rink’s perimeter was covered in durable, waterproof rubber flooring to prevent falls or injuries, the exposed concrete near the entrance could easily ruin her blades.

When she was close enough to see Sylvie standing just beyond the glass door, bundled up warm for the weather outside, and the temperature inside the rink, Fiona couldn’t help but crack a smile as she waived hello. Upon reaching the door she withdrew her set of keys from her pocket and unlocked the door before pushing the bar to let her friend inside.

“Hey, I’m glad you made it.”

Fiona appeared to be puzzled as a slow smile tugged her lips into an amused grin. “I’m by no means as proficient as an Olympic figure skater, but I’ve entered a few state and regional competitions.” Even received a few medals over the years which had helped with her credentials when she offered lessons on days off.

“I used to have a partner. We did lifts, throw jumps, all of it… but life’s responsibilities tim him away from competitions.” She and Nat still skated together now and then, but without regular practice, she had grown more cautious, no longer as fearless when it came to high-risk moves. Still, meeting him at the outdoor rink in the winter a few years ago where the snow fell around them was a memory Fiona was not soon to forget.

“While I’m not sure if my performance will knock your socks off, I do hope you enjoy it.” Fiona motioned over to the skate rental counter where she had set up the Keurig to make some warm cocoa for her friend. “Something warm for you to drink, and hold on to?”

Fiona popped a k-cup in the Keurig and closed the lid. The machine grumbled in protest from overuse but warmed the water within seconds and before she could answer Sylvie the smell of warm chocolate filled the air between them.

“It’s kinda like flying, I suppose…” She considered the comparison, thinking back to the exhilarating weightlessness of being lifted into the air by Nat in a twist lift or throw jump. On her own, every jump was a balance of control and force, the need to spin fast enough to land cleanly without losing momentum. It required precision to ensure her blade hit the ice at just the right angle to keep her upright

At times, jumping alone felt chaotic, centrifugal force tugging at her limbs as she fought to keep her arms tight for speed. But chaos wasn’t quite the right word. Instead she settled on something similar. “I think it feels more freeing than flying. Especially when the move becomes second nature.”

Fiona hoped that made some sense as she put a lid on the paper cup and passed it to Sylvie’s cold hands. “Come, you can sit over here.” At the end of the bleachers was a small personal-sized heater with a long yellow power cord snaking its way over to the wall where it was plugged in.

Fiona listened patiently, absorbing Sylvie’s words as she shared memories of stories she’d once been told. It sounded like there was a strange sort of melancholy in her tone, a mixture of longing and acceptance that made Fiona hesitate before responding.

“I think it’s a nice idea, to have been able to fly without needing an aircraft to take you somewhere.” She could picture it, soaring through open skies, wind rushing past… the kind of freedom that didn’t come with the constraints of technology. It made her think of heroes like The Falcon and old films like Angels in the Outfield, where flight was something magical and unburdened by the weight of reality.

Leaning over, Fiona adjusted the laces of her skates, before casting a glance at Sylvie before pushing herself back up. “Maybe after I’m done showing you my routine, and I lock up the rink, you have I can find someplace to eat. I’d like to learn more about your world, that is if you’re willing to share.”

Fiona wasn’t the best at making conversation, but there was something about Sylvie’s story that piqued her curiosity and as someone she considered a friend, Fi wanted her to know that she was someone who cared and could be trusted.

Fiona nodded before handing Sylvie a remote. “Once I get to the center of the rink, all I need to ask is if you would please pressed this button for me,” she indicated which button to push and where to point it to start the music.

After removing the guards on her skates, she reached the edge of the rink and stepped out onto the ice. Her movements were fluid as she glided to the center. Head back, with one arm raised towards the rafters, she waited for the song to begin.

The first few notes made it seem like this was perhaps going to be a slow song but then the sharp note hit and melody picked up quickly.



The routine began with her skating around the edge of the rink to gain momentum before she turned, her back towards the opposite wall; gliding with one leg parallel to the frozen ground while the other cut clean arc into the ice as she prepared for her first jump.

With a deep inhale, she pushed off from her left foot, launching herself into the air with an effortless grace. Arms pulled in close her body tightened as she rotated twice in a blur of winter colors before extending her leg again for the landing. Fiona’s right blade met the ice in a smooth, controlled landing with a soft sheek sound that could be heard over the lyrics.

Fiona stepped off the ice, her breath still coming in soft puffs that lingered in the chill air. The exhilaration of her routine still buzzed in her veins, a mix of satisfaction and critique running through her mind. I should have held that last spin a little longer, she thought, but overall, she was pleased.

She glanced up, catching sight of Sylvie in the bleachers, her hands still mid-clap, eyes shining with excitement. A soft blush swept onto Fiona’s cheeks, not from the exertion of her routine, but from the warmth of being seen, truly seen.

A small smile curled the corner of her lips as she shook her head lightly, a mix of amusement and quiet gratitude as she exited the rink and took a seat next to her friend. “You think so?” she asked as she began removing her skates, tugging at a stubborn lace. “I felt like I rushed that last landing.” The toe pick definitely dug into the ice leaving a deep gouge that would need to be removed with the Zamboni tomorrow before open.

“You flatter me,” unaccustomed to such high praise, Fiona’s blush deepened from embarrassment. “I’m nowhere near Olympian level,” nor was she trying to be. “But I’m happy with the level I perform at.” She’d made it to nationals a few times but didn’t place. The experience, however, was unforgettable.

“I’ll talk to the owner tomorrow and ask if I can do a couple of private lessons after hours with you. Otherwise, we do offer 30-minute beginner ‘Learn to Skate’ classes that meet twice a week for eight weeks. The adult classes average about seven people, ranging in age from eighteen to about thirty.” While having a one-on-one class has its perks for individual attention, there are benefits to taking the classes with a small group. It would allow Sylvie the opportunity to meet others with similar interests and abilities which would hopefully allow her to make some more connections with potential friends.

Fiona slipped her shoes on before putting the guards back on her blades and tying up the laces so they didn’t get tangled or damaged. “It's been a pretty long day and I’m fairly hungry. How do you feel about getting a burger from Red Robin? My treat!”