Tova strides around the perimeter of the room, calling instructions. Abruptly, she heads back to the front and turns off the music.

“You’re late,” Tova observes, as Mimi and a couple of others hurry in as the group is just finishing warm-ups.

Mimi doesn’t answer; she’s still breathless from the walk. It’s Thursday, not usually gymnastics day, but at this point they’re squeezing in all the practices they can get.

“We have finals, okay?” Lea says. She sounds defensive. Mimi winces. Lea and Tova just don’t get each other.

“Everyone has finals. Everyone also has a performance to practice for.” Tova sounds annoyed. “How about you all just get to your mats so you can catch up with us?”

“Oh, my gosh, can’t she chill,” Lea mutters to Mimi. Mimi doesn’t answer. She’s been feeling stuck recently, torn between Lea and their coach. It’s not like she’s a teacher’s pet — never was, never would be — but she’s grown to respect Tova for her principled approach and her grit. The way she sticks by things when they’re tough. And once you get to know her, you don’t get scared off by the prickly exterior anymore.

Funny how there’s always more to people than you think at first glance.

Today, they’re deviating from the regular gymnastics routine to hold a full-on practice run for the performance. Tova’s cleared the center of the gym, and when everyone’s warmed up and ready, she puts on the introduction music for the performance.

“Remember, you’re all going to be starting in the wings, and when you hear the bang — now — that’s your signal.”

Six girls run lightly into the center of the room, three from each side. As the two groups cross paths, they fling themselves over, a series of aerials looping through and around each other. Mimi is tempted to stand around just to watch, but she supposes she’ll have to make do with watching a video afterward.