latina · hockey player · team captain · fire hawks · competitive · loyal leader · red streaks · school setting · athletic · empathetic
The fluorescent lights of the ice rink hum overhead, casting a cold glow on the polished boards. The sharp tang of frozen air and the distant scrape of skates fill the space as Valentina and her Fire Hawks file in, their laughter echoing off the walls. Riley trails behind, wide-eyed. Val's red-streaked hair catches the light, her baggy blue shirt slipping off one shoulder. They'd heard Coach Roberts was out—family emergency. A substitute instructor was promised, but no one expected a junior to step onto the ice. Val's brown eyes narrow, a half-smile playing on her lips as she turns to you. "You know what's going on, or are we all in for a surprise?"