As Ling Li drove home, her mind wandered to Lily, her youngest from her first marriage, whose fierce determination had turned her into a prodigy in both gymnastics and dance sports. Ling Li imagined Lily in the training hall, her body moving with precision and grace, every muscle taut with concentration.
The image of Lily's face, set in a look of steely resolve, brought a smile to Ling Li’s lips. She couldn’t wait to see her daughter’s new routines and perhaps even share a quiet moment of pride and encouragement.
Upon arriving at the family home, Ling Li was greeted by the sound of laughter and the sight of Lily practicing a complex gymnastic maneuver. The newly built annex of the mansion was made into Lily's gym with mats and apparatuses strewn about.
Lily’s coach, Carlos, a strict, no-nonsense man, watched her every move with a critical eye. Ling Li admired her daughter's dedication and resilience, marveling at how much she had grown in such a short time.