𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭

fifty two

Delphine

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue across the lake as I settled onto the dock beside Kaiden.

It was a welcome escape from the whirlwind of my life, and the peaceful surroundings felt worlds away from the chaos I often found myself navigating.

The wood creaked softly beneath us, and the sound of water lapping gently against the shore created a serene backdrop. I took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp air and letting it fill my lungs as I glanced at Kaiden, who sat cross-legged, a relaxed smile playing on his lips.

We had shared a quiet moment, both absorbing the tranquility of the scene, before he broke the silence. "So, how's practice going?" he asked, his eyes scanning my face, searching for a glimpse of the emotions I usually kept tightly locked away.

I hesitated, contemplating how much to share. "It's manageable," I replied, keeping my tone steady, though I could feel the frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "Though I have to say, my coach has been on my case lately."

"What's up with that?" he asked, tilting his head slightly, encouraging me to delve deeper.

I sighed, allowing my annoyance to surface. "He's just been really rude and demanding. I get that he wants us to improve, but there's a fine line between pushing us to be better and just being an ass about it. He's constantly nitpicking everything I do, and it's exhausting."

Kaiden nodded, his expression shifting to one of understanding as he leaned in slightly, giving me his full attention. "That sounds rough. Is he hard on you because you're a girl on a predominantly male team?"

I bit my lip, nodding slowly. "Definitely. I mean, I get that I have to prove myself, but it feels like he's taking it too far. Sometimes, I wonder if he even sees me as a legitimate athlete or just a girl who shouldn't be on the ice in the first place."

Kaiden leaned back on his hands, looking thoughtful. "That's unfair. You've worked hard to get where you are. You shouldn't have to deal with that."

"It's just frustrating," I replied, feeling the anger bubble up inside me. "I've spent my whole life training and sacrificing so much. I want to be taken seriously, but it feels like every step I take is met with skepticism."

Kaiden shifted closer, his body language open and receptive. "Have you considered talking to someone about it? Like maybe another coach or an advisor? They might be able to help you navigate this."

"I've thought about it," I admitted, glancing out at the water. "But I hate the idea of seeming weak or like I can't handle it. I'm supposed to be tough, you know? I don't want to give anyone a reason to think I don't belong."

"Being tough doesn't mean you have to take crap from anyone," he said, his voice firm and unwavering. "You have a right to advocate for yourself, especially if it's affecting your performance and enjoyment of the sport. You deserve to be treated with respect."

His words hit me in a way I hadn't expected. There was something about the way he spoke that made me feel understood, as if he truly got the struggles I faced as a female athlete in a male-dominated world. It was refreshing to share this frustration with someone who listened without judgment, who didn't try to minimize my experiences.

"Thanks, Kaiden. I really appreciate it," I said, feeling a flicker of warmth in my chest.

He shrugged, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Anytime. Just know that you're not alone in this."

We fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, allowing the peaceful atmosphere to wash over us. I could hear the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze and the distant sound of laughter from other people enjoying the lake. It was nice to have a break from everything, and I relished the calm that surrounded us.