34 / 195
Pinky soon began to warm up for the triathlon, following
zigzagged
path-
ways at jogging pace. Gretchen left her be, but soon ran into Michael. Her
wrinkled eyes narrowed as she approached him.
“Hey, mum! How… how are you?” He tried to stay strong with her but it
was hard for him. “I was going to bring your doll, as a pendant to run with,
but I couldn’t find it. Have you seen it?” The missing doll made him worry
greatly, but he couldn’t show his emotions. Not in front of Gretchen.
“Don’t pretend you liked it, Michael. It’s not yours anymore. I gave it away
to someone who actually deserved it,” Gretchen replied, looking off at Pinky
training in the distance.
“What?? Why?? I loved that doll!” Michael began to get teary.
“You never loved it, just like I never loved you,” Gretchen stated, before
walking off slowly, as if nothing ever happened. Michael stood there, watch-
ing her walk off, for what felt like an eternity. After regaining awareness, he
ran to the bathroom. The paper towels soon filled the garbage bin, soaked
with saltwater. Staring into the mirror, Michael had finally found his missing
motivation.
I’m going to win the triathlon.