Standing at Center Ice

[Herr Drosselmeier]

Standing at Center Ice

Sometimes, I play a game. I imagine that it is hundreds of years in the future and I have long been gone. In this fantasy, I am given the opportunity to return and re-visit a point in this life. When I begin playing, I ask myself, “Is this just an imaginative game, or did it really happen?” There is no way to know.

Playing the game reinforces my appreciation for everything around me. Oh, that is not just my friend sitting quietly in his chair, reading like he always does. That is my dear one. Oh, how I must have missed him when he was gone. How I must have cried and wished for another chance to be with him again. Well, now I have that chance. Right now. “Why am I looking at you like that, dear one? Because I am remembering that I love you. In my rushing and busyness, I used to forget.”

Look, it’s my house and street. Look, my room and old possessions. I can look at them and hold them again. Oh, the air smells sweet, just like I remembered. Oh, how wonderful. Look, I am breathing. How does it feel to breathe? My heart is beating, listen. Listen… birds. Oh, warm sunshine.

I am standing at center ice, now and for always. I am studying. I am taking an exam. My leg is sore from yesterday’s fall. How does soreness feel? Oh yes, like that. Every minute is always.

Love,
M.

[Miss Eggplant]

I loved this. Honestly, I don't think I have ever even clicked on the Fan Fiction section of this forum before today...fan fic is typically not my thing. But Herr Drosselmeier, I've read several of your short fiction pieces and I really admire them, especially this one.

Is the mention of the sunshine and birds a reference to Michelle's comments about waking up the day after winning the silver in Nagano, by any chance?

[Herr Drosselmeier]

Dear Miss Eggplant,

I am happy that you have enjoyed the stories. Michelle is a great inspiration.

While the stories shelter some hidden MK symbolism, overt and covert, I must admit that I was not consciously thinking of the morning after Nagano when I wrote about birds and sunshine.

Please, if you can, remind us of Michelle’s comments.

Thank you again for your kind and generous feedback.

Best regards,
HD

[Miss Eggplant]

I can't remember the exact quote, and I couldn't find it after some searching. I believe she said this either in her A&E biography or in a fluff piece. Basically, she woke up the day after winning the silver in Nagano -- when she had been so heartbroken -- to notice the sun was still shining. (And maybe also the birds were still singing? Not sure.) A very "It's not the end of the world, life goes on" hopeful message.

That was always one of my favorite lines from Michelle, because it shows maturity and perspective and hope despite heartbreak. And your mention of sunshine and birds made me think of it.