ALEXANDER

I had fallen a thousand times, but when I finally gained balance it was fun.

The soft glide of ice under my skateboard was soothing; the rink wasn't too crowded, just a few scattered couples and groups of friends enjoying the cool evening air.

For once, I wasn't thinking about work or the endless problems piling up in my life. Instead, I was wholly focused on her.

Rubby skated ahead of me like a pro; she was showing off, and she knew it. Her laughter rang out as she turned to ...