It's something weird to have a woman on a team.
The coaches and techs care as well, but they would not show it.Girls would, they are allowed to be soft.
But we are supposed to keep it cool.
I write something dumb about Martin and protein bars.She answers with a line that makes my stomach twist.
Kat: "Don't want to write your obituary."
Dark.Even for her.
I almost texted something flirty.A joke.Something about how good I'd look in a memorial montage.
But I don't.
Me: "Kat."
Me: "I'll be fine.Promise."
I pocket the phone and repeat it aloud, staring into the blizzard.
Martin cracks an eye."Practice answering that on camera."
Niko nudges my boot."He means it.We'll be fine."His grin doesn't reach his eyes.
Even if I'm not sure, I believe it.
The door creaks open.A FIS guy pokes his head in.
"Race's off.Official cancellation."
Martin sits up fast, hair perfect like he planned it.Roman finally stops pacing.Niko lets out a breath he pretends he wasn't holding.
I grab my phone.
Me: "Cancelled.You can stop panicking now."
No answer.
Just a photo.
The finish area, blurred in the fog.
In the foreground: her hand, giving me the finger.
I laugh.For real this time.
Yeah, we're gonna be okay.
The super-G the other day was cancelled as well.So, officially, no racing this weekend.The waiting and stress overshadowed the Christmassy mood around here.
And it's a pity we have to leave now.Only today did I notice the shiny things on every corner, the smell of mulled wine.
I'm looking forward to going home.Spending time with my family.
I won't miss the guys.We'll see each other in a few days in Bormio and celebrate the New Year together.
I might miss Katharina, though.
