A Dulled Blade

They talk about the depth of the field, the amount of new 'material' in skating. Yuzu feels like material that's been used so often it's fraying at the edges. A blade that's been sharpened one too many times. Off-balance.

His body hurts, but that's familiar. This new ache, it runs deeper. He stops, stares at the Spanish flag hanging right next to the rising sun.

Later that night, he calls.

"How did you keep going so long? How did you bear it?" he asks Javi.

There is silence at the other end. Then Javi says, voice rough. "I had you."