Maybe the whole drama with Kayla joining her class is having one good effect at least. It’s making her think, not just… float.

If I were Kayla, Mimi thinks wryly, I’d just get it over and done with.

If she were Kayla, though, there wouldn’t be any conversation about gym and coaching and her grades to begin with. Because Kayla has no interest in gym, and anyone who worried about her grades would have to be crazy.

Come on, Mimi. Just do this.

It’s been weeks since her parents broached — and dropped — the idea of her quitting gymnastics. In the meantime, her grades had improved, and she’s been attending gym sessions, and it doesn’t seem to be a problem. But to give Tova a solid commitment, to tell her she’s in for the long haul, extra coaching and making it work and really throwing herself into her gymnastics, enough that she can maybe do something real with it someday, become a coach herself, do the things that excite her… she needs to know her parents will be behind it.

Well. She’s Kayla’s sister; she should be able to borrow some of her guts. Or just that knowing what she has to do and getting it done-ness.

Mimi giggles to herself. I’ll just be Kayla for a minute!

“Hi, Mim.” Ma is eating a croissant, with delicate bites. Across from her, Ta is filling a bagel with eggs. “Coming to join us for Sunday breakfast?”

“Mm. Maybe.” It’s still too early to feel hungry. “Actually, I have gymnastics this afternoon… I wanted to — to speak to you…” She swallows.