I’ve tried so many times. Surprisingly, I’m still not good enough.
“Take a deep breath, you can do this.” I tell myself. I look at the crowd, “You expected this, and he wouldn’t have come even if he didn’t have to work for the rest of his sad little life.”
I look back down at the cool crisp water. Swimming’s been the only escape for me ever since my mother left, and I plan on swimming for a living whether my dad thinks I’ll make it or not.
My coach points to his heart wishing me luck, I mouth a “Thank you” and I know I’m ready. I’ve waited for this one moment and if I finish this race I’ll be able to live my life the way I want to. Not the way my dad or my “mother” wants me to.
I’ll be free.
