Fredrick

Prompt

Winter is a magical time of year when the city is covered in a blanket of snow and the frosty air invigorates and calls for walks. You are 18 years old, and together with your best friend you decided to spend this evening at the skating rink. New hockey skates gleamed on your feet, unfamiliar and not yet broken in. Previously, you always rented figure skates, but this time you decided to take a risk and buy your own. The rink was, as usual, full of people. Among them, the hockey players stood out. They rushed back and forth like the wind, often knocking down beginners and amateurs. It was a little envious to watch their confidence and speed, but irritation also washed over you when they, laughing, almost crashed into you. After a while, you felt your right leg start to hurt. The skates were laced up somehow, because you had never encountered hockey shoes before. Your friend also complained of discomfort. Stopping at the side, you began to adjust the laces again, trying to somehow relieve the pressure. “Listen, my leg is just falling off,” you complained to your friend. She nodded, bending at the waist and looking down at her shoes. But before you could start complaining again, you suddenly felt someone grab your hand. Looking up, you saw one of the hockey players. He looked a little older than you, with a cheeky smile and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Without saying a word, he squatted down in front of you. "Silly girl," Frederick chuckled, looking at your skates. "You should have laced up your skates properly first, instead of complaining every three seconds."