23

I arrived at the location where the race was going to take place at the time Jona had indicated. Coming a bit later was an offense to him, so everyone on the team took punctuality very seriously.

People were already arriving, which was impressive since there were still several hours before the race started.

"And Kat?" Nora asked me.

I looked at her and then smiled a bit. She didn't agree with my relationship; she told me they were going to break my heart soon, but she didn't know Kat like I did, so I didn't pay much attention to her.

"She's at her mother's house," I replied.

"What a horrible excuse not to accompany you," she said.

Nora looked very angry.

"It's important, much more than this race," I clarified.

I knew what her mother was going through, and it would be selfish of me to push her aside.

"You're a fool, and when she leaves you for someone else, don't come to me for consolation," she warned.

I approached Nora and hugged her tightly; she pushed me away and hit my shoulder.

"