The chill of the ice rink crept up through my skates, making me shiver. Benny was already gliding backward in front of me, a wide grin plastered across his face. He made it look so easy, while I was one bad move away from face-planting.

"You’re doing great," Benny encouraged, his voice light with laughter. "But try bending your knees a bit more—you’ll feel more stable."

"I feel like a baby deer on ice," I muttered, wobbling slightly.

Benny’s laugh echoed through the rink. "Nah, you’re more like... a fierce gazelle with attitude." He winked, making my heart flip despite myself. "Come on, I’ve got you."

Before I could protest, he skated up behind me, his hands gently resting on my waist. "Okay, now push off with your right foot, like this." His voice was soft, guiding, as if he didn’t want to spook me.

I followed his instructions, and for a brief, glorious moment, I glided without wobbling. "I did it!" I gasped.

"You did!" Benny cheered, lifting his arms like I’d scored the winning goal. "Next up: pro league tryouts."