“I know it does, but trust me, the foundation is still there.”
I press my hand flat on the desk.
“I’d like to do some video sessions,” I say. “To start with, before anything else.”
“Yes. Absolutely. We can begin this week if you’re ready.”
“I’m ready,” I say. And I mean it, which surprises me.
“Good. There’s also something I want to mention. There’s a regional qualifier in four months - nothing enormous, not the highest level, but a legitimate competition. A way back in. I think you should enter.”
A qualifier.
In four months.
“Just to start easing back in. No pressure on the result. It’s just about being back on that ice, in that context. Reminding yourself what it feels like.”
“Okay.”
“Okay?”
“Yes,” I say. “Okay.”
She makes a small, satisfied sound. “Good. Now-” And I can hear the smile in it. “How soon can you make your way back over?”
I look around the office.
“I’m not sure yet. There are things to sort out here first.”
“Of course. But Elida… Don’t wait too long. You’ve waited long enough already.”
I close my eyes.
“I know. I know I have.”
We arrange the first video session for the day after tomorrow and say goodbye.
Then I call Iris.
She picks up on the first ring.
“Well?”
“I’m entering a qualifier.”
Iris makes a sound that is pure, unfiltered delight.
“Yes,” she says. “YES. I’m just-” She stops. “I’m really proud of you.”
“And I’m coming back to Sweden. Soon.”
Iris shrieks.
Actually shrieks, loud enough that I have to hold the phone away from my ear.
“Oh my GOD. Oh my god, Elida. Okay. Okay, I’m being calm.”
“You’re really not.”
