“We are so proud of you!” Nova lost the air in her lungs as she was crushed by the hugs of her parents. With her arms pinned at her sides, there was no escape from it. “If you need anything, anything at all do not hesitate to call us for help,” her dad said, smiling down at her. It was only when they let go that she inhaled a fresh breath of air and let out a laugh. “Yes yes, I know, Dad. I’ll call you guys if I need help...

“IT’S PEANUT BUTTER JELLY TIME!!” Nova’s eyes shot open at her alarm on her phone. She reached for it on the stand next to her bed and desperately swiped on her screen, without looking as the upbeat jingle teased her for every failed swipe. “So early...” She had finally silenced the alarm and saw the time. 4:15 AM Practice wasn’t until 4 PM, and she was planning on prepping for it with a light morning jog at the least. Lo...