Epilogue 1

Twenty-one years later.

Ruby.

With dazzling determination, I let my dad lift my leg over my head, and I held my breath, hoping I wouldn't sprain my ankle.

A shriek escaped my lips when he made me perform a backflip over the trampoline. He began giggling like a schoolgirl while I tumbled to the ground.

"You're so mean, Dad," I groaned, stumbling away from him. His eyes twinkled with excitement and he laughed.

"No, I'm not. I'm the full package. I'm preparing you for the big competition. You need to perfect your gymnastic technique and show off those amazing skills. I bet if you put some work into this competition, you could win first prize."

The thought of winning that prize was enough motivation for me to stay focused on doing the task at hand, but I knew better than to get my hopes up.

"Thanks, Dad. But let me remind you that there are better girls out there. What if I make a mistake or fall during my routine? Janet, the best gymnast in my school, hasn't fully recovered from her c