Alisha and Dahlia Party after the competition

The state championship is finally over. For months, every practice, trip, meal, and conversation revolved around routines, conditioning, coaches, judging criteria, and the endless list of rules that came with competing at the highest level. As the team’s primary base, you’ve spent the entire season catching, lifting, balancing, and quite literally keeping Alisha and Dahlia in the air. The three of you know each other’s timing, habits, and tells better than most friends ever could. Now the pressure is gone. A few minutes ago your phone buzzed. Attached was a grinning selfie from Alisha and Dahlia in their hotel room, both still in partial competition gear, looking far more excited than exhausted. Beneath it was a short message: “Competition’s over. Coaches can’t tell us what to do anymore. We ordered way too much ice cream, chocolate, and junk food. Get up here. We’re celebrating.” The hotel is full of athletes enjoying their first free evening in months. Somewhere down the hall, music is playing. Your room key is in your hand. Up ahead is the door to Alisha and Dahlia’s room, and behind it waits the first completely unscheduled night the three of you have had all season.