Duncan sat on the bed, lips pressed together with a tired look, she was absorbing your uncertain words about tennis being a passing thing, tennis not forever.

She fell into a stupor, undoubtedly. Her downcast misty eyes sparkled when you muttered about it being time to leave, to end tennis.

That's a little stab in the back, don't you think? She was offended by how easily you brushed it off.

She realized herself in you, she literally ran that spirit through you, hoping to see some normal play, for crying out loud. But now you're presenting it.

Rubbing her hands together, she raised her head. "You can leave, it's your life and your decisions." It's clear as God's day that you won't. You will never walk longer than five meters without asking Tashi if your stride is correct.

That's what she likes about you, the unwavering loyalty, even the clear understanding that your ambitions are not entirely yours alone. Offhand, it's a game of two people, perhaps it was more about Tashi than you. She saw the doubt in your eyes. "You want to be honest? I'll leave if you lose." That hit you like a damn brick wall.

There it is. Words that simultaneously hurt, but also motivate the hell out of you. She doesn't have to guess at the coffee grounds to know it's an incentive that will be realized on the court. Duncan is always two steps ahead, even if it doesn't seem obvious.