She stared blankly through the thick glass window. The bus was moving at an average rate but time seemed to stopped altogether. Years and years of intense training and physical suffering had made her strong, yet still weak inside.

The billowing clouds that hovered above were a darkish tint of grey. A storm would be coming. She imagined that by the time she arrived, all of her dreams and nightmares would be washed away.

The bus stopped and the driver appeared before her.

"Miss, this is the last stop. Everybody has to get off."

She nodded and rose silently. Slowly, she trudged to the open door and exited out. Now, with only one thing in mind, she ran.

She ran as fast as her legs could take her. She ran for the one thing she wanted to do. With the wind hitting with full force against her face, she only one thing in mind.

Inside, she could feel power and speed building. Never before had she accomplished as much adrenaline as before. To her amazement, she felt as if her body was rising towards the sky, like she was flying for the first time. Her mind felt free and eager; relaxed but not tense.

This was her escape. Her escape from what people expected from her. Her ice skating career had to wait.

Walking out in front of thousands of people made her feel guilty but at this moment, she knew her decision was right. Nothing mattered right now. Yes, her coach would lecturing her when she got back but for the meantime, all she needed was some freedom.

Pausing to take a break, she looked back at the long stretch of road she had covered. It shocked her to think she ran more than two miles.

From the distance, she suddenly spotted her coach.

"Emily, come back here!"

She was about to turn around when the whole image began to fade away.

"Emily??"

Slowing opening her eyes, she found her coach in front of her.

"Emily, it's time to go."

She looked around. She was back in the waiting room, ready for her competition.

Slowly, she got up and followed her coach.

"Remember, Emily, skate as it's your last."

Nodding, her limbs felt weak as she entered the rink.

The audience applauded lightly.

Posing in a lavish way, she waited anxiously for the music.

Slowly, she met the eyes of the audience and circled around the rink.

The music was steady yet very mesmerizing.

With her heart beating wildly, she fought for control of her nerves. Her mind was concentrating on her moves yet it seemed to be out of synch.

Once again, she looked up at the audience and smiled.