Saturday, July 25, 2020

My Short Short for the Day


 “It’s ok, Mary, you’re adopted.  I bet one of your parents might be a match!”  Lucy blurted it out without a second thought.  It wasn’t until the shock washed over Mary’s face that she realized what she had done.  She broke the promise she’d made to their parents so many years ago.  She felt guilty but if this could help save Mary’s life, then she wouldn’t regret it.


“Lucy, you’re up in a minute.”  Coach Sal patted her on the shoulder.  “Just try your best.  You’ve got this.”

Lucy smiled.  Coach Sal was the best, but she knew today wouldn’t be any different than every other gymnastics meet.  She would try her best but ultimately trip or stumble or fall.  She loved gymnastics with all her heart, but as hard as she tried she just couldn’t seem to outgrow her clumsiness.  But Coach Sal never gave up on her and neither did her sister.  Lucy looked out into the crowd and saw Mary smiling and waving from the bleachers.  She smiled back.  Ok, here goes nothing.

Lucy walked to the area sectioned off for the floor routine.  She positioned herself and waited.  The music started and she began.  She moved so effortlessly across the floor.  She felt like she was floating.  Her jumps were smooth, her landings were flawless, her routine had never been so perfect.  She did her final tumbling pass and stuck the landing.  She held it, smiling, thrilled beyond belief.  And then the faces in the crowd started to register.  They were staring at her in disbelief.  Mesmerized.  She locked eyes with Mary.  Suddenly Mary jumped up and cheered and clapped with so much enthusiasm that it broke the spellbound crowd.  Cheers erupted around the stadium.  All eyes were on her.  Something magical had happened that day and Lucy would never forget that moment for the rest of her life.

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