Impact

She trembles, uncomfortable in this skin, this body.

Their thoughts, real or imaginary, shoot through her like bullets, piercing her paper heart, fear tingling in her very fingertips.

Is she intruding? Can she even be here?

A lump in her throat, she steps forward, only to be pushed back again.

And again.

And again.

The voices get louder.

Quit. Stay down.

You can't.

Breath shaking in her chest, she hesitates. Maybe she couldn't. Maybe it would be easier to quit.

But what would the tears have been worth? What about the sleepless nights and aching muscles? The sweat? Would it all have been for nothing?

Her eyes refocus, gaze steely.

She'll show them, show them all.

Hesitation gone, she launches forward.

And.

Impact.