Upcoming were the Winter Games. Gwen and her teammates didn't have anywhere to practice, let alone their sixth member. They needed an athletic individual who could help bring the team together. While Gwen was the obvious team captain responsible for holding the team together, they required someone else. It had to be someone capable. Gwen began putting up posters all around the school to gauge interest. Many students had already formed their groups and commenced the games, diligently preparing. However, they were significantly behind schedule. Gwen sat on the bench that night, pondering whether she would ever fulfill her dream of participating in the Winter Games. It had been her lifelong aspiration, inspired by her mother who had dedicated her life to the games. Gwen simply wanted to follow in her mom's footsteps. She found herself unsure of how to navigate the tasks at hand. Among her dorm mates were Ella, Mia, Hailey, and Jess - all exceptional athletes. Despite their proficiency, she harbored doubts about her own capabilities to compete and emerge victorious in the upcoming Winter Games. The looming event was fast approaching, and they were still significantly lagging behind schedule.
No one, and I mean no one, had tried out for their team. I mean, most people had already formed their teams, but they knew some people hadn't. Were people specifically avoiding them? Gwen had so many doubts running through her head. She went to the cafeteria to get some lunch with the rest of her dorm mates. They just needed a place to chill and to stop thinking about stuff.
Gwen seemed weighed down by the burdens she carried, a fact not lost on Ella. Concerned, she approached her friend. "Are you okay?" Ella inquired gently, seeking reassurance. After a brief pause, Gwen hesitated before admitting, "I'm not sure. I feel overwhelmed by the constant pressure to excel, almost like I'm mirroring my mom's high expectations."
"It doesn't always have to be like that," said Ella reassuringly. "You can be your own person, you know. You always looked up to your mom, not because you needed to measure up but because you admired her for who she was." Ella paused, choosing her words carefully. "She loved you simply because you wanted to emulate her, and because inherently, you shared similarities with her," she added softly. Gwen's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she whispered, "But how can I ever live up to her?"
