Dancing on Thin Ice

[Ash Gomez's POV] Kumaripas ako ng takbo galing sa kusina nang nagsimula ko nang marinig ang boses ng isang lalaki mula sa sala. Sinabihan ko ang aking Mom na kung pwede ay mamaya na lamang ako kumain ngunit hindi siya pumayag at baka malipasan raw ako. I had no choice but to hastily eat the food on my plate while my mother watched me almost choke. She gave me a glass of water after swallowing my last chunk of fried chicken before I asked her permission to go to the living room. As soon as she nodded, I went down from the chair. hugged her waist and ran like a dog towards our television. "Welcome to the Winter Olympic Games Figure Skating Competition," said the emcee of the event. I sat on the floor as I excitedly tapped my feet against the tiles because finally, my favorite event of the year is happening, the Winter Olympic Games. It is held every four years and so I really don't want to miss every event because it'll be such a waste if I wait for another four years. Although I can watch the replay, of course, it wouldn't feel the same way as watching it live even if I can watch it live only on the television right now. During the said event, different representatives from different nations gather up in one country to compete in snow and ice-related sports such as skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, hockey, and many more. But among all these amazing sports, what I'm really excited to witness is the figure skating competition. As I was watching the television, I couldn't get my eyes off the screen, especially as the figure skating competition was about to start. Basically, in this event, different competitors will each showcase their own performance and will be graded by the judges afterward. I don't know how the judges tally the scores of these contestants, but I think that the more stunts you do in your performance, the more scores or points you'll get, and stumbles during the performances will indicate deductions as well. My smile went ear to ear as soon as the emcee called my favorite representative out of everyone else. "Representing Japan, Yuzuru Hanyu," said the emcee as Yuzuru entered the skating rink. My smile widened even more, and I screamed as the crowd inside the skating dome went wild as well. He waved at them first before positioning himself at the center of the rink as the crowd went silent. The silence sent chills down my spine as we all watched his starting position. Yuzuru wore a white long-sleeve top with sparkly patterns and plain black pants. Along the end of the sleeves are scattered tiny beads that glisten as the light inside the stadium sheds on it. As soon as the music started, he began dancing above the ice as his hands and feet moved accordingly. His eyes were as sharp as an eagle's as he looked toward the crowd and the judges. I felt like I was watching a crane gliding across the ice because of his long slender legs. The music progressed into a fast beat and so did his movements. It's as if Yuzuru became a different person the moment he steps inside the ice rink, ready to astonish everyone at every moment he can. I stared in awe in front of the screen with my mouth wide open as he looked like he was just floating above the ice. But suddenly as the music reaches its peak, I know he will soon do a stunt move. As expected, Yuzuru positioned himself and suddenly jumped off the ice with his hands locked across his chest. He spun like a top at maximum speed before landing a graceful triple axel. The crowd went wild again as he smiled at them. Every time I notice that he'll pull off a stunt, I can't help but close my eyes because I do not want to see him stumble and hit the floor. It takes years of practice to even just balance oneself on ice, yet Yuzuru made it look so effortless. As soon as I hear the crowd cheering for him after doing a stunt, I immediately open my eyes back at the television because I'm sure he pulled it off perfectly. He did more stunts a couple of times and ended his performance with a fierce pose back at the center of the skating rink. I clapped my hands as loud as I can, imagining as if I am at the skating dome myself and cheering for him. He waved at the crowd and exited the rink. As usual, he skyrocketed to first place, and I jumped from my seat out of joy. I know he'd be first because for sure he got almost perfect in both technical scores and program component scores. Yuzuru almost cried as the camera was pointed at him and I couldn't be prouder of him. At such an early age, people already consider him a legend for being the first Japanese skater to bag an Olympic gold medal. After all the participants performed, all the scores were tallied, and Japan cemented its spot in the first place. The awarding ceremony commenced and Yuzuru stood firmly on the podium with 1st place written on it and also both the second and third placers beside him. As I watched them take pictures while holding big colorful bouquets, I heard the door of my room creak open and saw Mom enter with a huge smile on her face. "Ash, what are you watching?" she asked as she also sat on the floor beside me while holding a tray of cookies. I took one from the tray and stuffed my mouth with cookies. My Mom loves baking, by the way. "The Winter Olympic Games, Mom! The figure skating event was just finished a while ago and Yuzuru won!" I excitedly told her while the food was still melting inside my mouth. Her eyes widened and opened her mouth in amazement. "Wow! That's so fascinating, Ash. That boy has always been good at skating ever since he was young," Mom said as she glanced at the television. "And please, don't talk when your mouth is full. Got it?" she added. "Got it," I said after gulping down the rest of the cookies down my throat. There was a moment of silence between the two of us until I raised a question unto her. "Do you think I'll also be as good as him, Mom?" I asked her without looking into her eyes. I want to be as good as Yuzuru when I grow up. She pats my head and holds my chin to face her. "Why not? Everybody can dream, Ash. It's only a matter of perseverance and determination," she said as she looked down and cupped both of my hands. I smiled in return. At this point, I have been idolizing Yuzuru ever since I randomly saw a clip of his skating compilation on the internet. Namangha ako dahil kaya niyang balasehin ang kanyang sarili sa ibabaw ng yelo na hindi natutumba man lang. The reason why I know it took him years of practice to make ice skating as easy as basically breathing. "Thanks, Mom," I replied. Hinalikan ni Mom ang noo bago ako tinignan muli. She then stood up and offered me a hand to help me stand up. "I have something to show you, Ash. And I know you'll like it," she said as I grabbed her hand to lift myself. "Really, Mom? What is it?" I asked confusingly. "You'll see," she chuckled as we both started walking across the hallways of our house. I wonder what it could be. A surprise, maybe? I thought to myself. Well, I can't wait to find out. Hinawakan ko ang kamay ni Mom nang mahigipit habang naglalakad sa hallway ng aming bahay. She then led me to the door that I used to ask her almost every day of what's kept inside of it. Dati, sinasabi lang ni Mom that someday, she'll tell me what's behind that mysterious door kapag nasa tamang edad na ako. And now that we're standing right in front of it, halos hindi ko mapigilan ang excitement ko para malaman kung ano ang nasa loob ng kwartong ito. "I think it's time we show you what's inside this room, Ash," sabi ng Mom ko saka ako bumaling sa kanya. I smiled in response and was speechless because I just really wanted to see what it was inside right now. I saw this daw ever since I was young, but Mom and Dad never let me know kung ano ang nasa loob. They would only tell me that they keep the door locked at all times because there's a monster behind it kaya naman tatango na lamang ako at baka makalabas pa 'yong monster galing sa kwartong 'yon. May dinukot si Mom sa kanyang bulsa at inilabas ang isang susi to which I believe is the key to open the door. Ipinasok niya ito sa doorknob and the sound of the door unlocking was music to my ears. Napangiti naman ako nang pinihit na niya ang doorknob saka ako tumingin sa kanya. She smiled again as she opened the door widely. As soon as the door was opened, wala akong makita dahil nakapatay ang ilaw. I squinted my eyes as I try to see what was inside ngunit nang binuksan ni Mom ang ilaw ay para akong nasilaw. My jaw dropped as I could see a whole bunch of trophies stacked on many shelves in the room. I looked around the whole room at puno nga ito ng iba't ibang uri ng tropeyo. Mom went inside but I was still left speechless because I could see my reflection on the glistening trophies. Tuluyan na akong pumasok habang hawak pa rin ang kamay ni Mom at nakahangad lamang ako dahil sa tangkad ng mga shelves nito. There were gold, silver and bronze trophies, and even medals. Magkakaiba ang mga hugis at laki ng mga tropeya as we passed through each one ngunit nanatili ang mata ko sa isang medalya na nakasabit sa dingding ng kwarto. It was familiar at first but then soon I realized what medal it was; the gold medal of the Winter Olmpic Games. Hindi lang isa kundi dalawa itong magkatabi, both silver and bronze. Agad naman akong napalingon kay Mom at halos hindi makabuo ng sasabihin dahil sa tuwa at pagkabigla. "Mom, is this t-true? Am I dreaming?" I asked her. I pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming because seeing these medals right in front of me was one heck of a dream. Nang mapansin kong masakit nga pala talaga ang pagpisil ko sa sarili ko ay alam kong hindi nga ako nananaginip. I looked back at Mom at tumawa lamang siya sa naging reaction ko. "Yes. It's true, anak. Your Dad and I both competed in the Olympic Games back then and I managed to place second while he placed third," pagpapaliwanag niya sa akin. Even though Mom was still explaining a lot of things to me, wala akong maintindihan sa mga sinasabi niya dahil hindi ko inakala na ganito pala sila kagaling when it comes to figure skating. I thought they were only known sa lugar namin dito sa Canada. Alam ko na marunong sa ice skating ang aking mga magulang pero hindi ko alam na sila ay mga beterano pagdating dito. Not just them, though. But most of the Gomez clan. Our clan has produced generations of outstanding figure skaters, but I never knew Mom and Dad made history with their placements in the Winter Olympic Games. It made me want to learn how to skate even more because aspire to be like them someday. "Mom, since you and Dad both already have Olympic medals, do you think I'd be able to win one and place mine beside both of yours too?" tanong ko sa kanya. Bigla namang sumeryoso si Mom at lumuhod para makaharap siya sa akin. She held onto my shoulders saka huminga nang malalim. "Ash, I know you want to have your medal someday and I'll be the proudest Mom if ever you'll win one, but there's something I must tell you," sabi niya habang nakatingin nang madiin sa mga mata ko. "What is it, Mom?" I asked her genuinely. "You must assure me that this is what you want to pursue. Na hindi ka lang napipilitan because I and your dad are figure skaters as well. 'Yon ang rason kung bakit itinago namin muna sa iyo ang room na ito because I don't want to pressure you into wanting figure skating as well. I want you to know that you can choose any career you want of your own free will," pangunguna niya. "Okay, Mom. But I really want to be like both you and Dad. It's what I want," I assured her. Whenever I visit my grandparents, they always tell me stories about my mom and my dad as good figure skaters, but never did they tell me that they were famous worldwide and are Olympians at that. Her eyes softened saka siya muling nagsalita, "Okay, anak. Okay," huling sabi niya as she pulled me into a hug. I hugged her back tightly as different scenarios started playing in my mind. I can imagine myself tossing my body above against the ice to perform a triple axel and then proceeding to a toe loop as soon as I land on my feet. I can imagine myself being thrown with flowers and bouquets after my performance as the crowd chants my name in chorus. I can also imagine myself standing at the center of the podium during the awarding ceremony as I raise the medal above my head. Even if I am still 11 years old, I know that I still have a lot ahead of me. Of course, wala namang tao na kakasimula pa lamang ay magaling na agad. I know that there will be a lot of difficulties along the way but with determination and perseverance, I know that I can achieve my dream of becoming a figure skater someday. I promise that to myself. After we went out of the room, hindi ko na maalis ang ngiti sa aking mga labi dahil parang nakatatak na sa aking isipan ang mga awards ni Mom and Dad. It would be wonderful if I could also put my medals inside that room as well soon when I become a figure skater myself. I snapped back from my thoughts nang hinawakan ni Mom ang aking balikat. I glanced at her. "Ash, you can stop smiling now," said Mom while chuckling. "I can't help it, Mom," sabi ko pabalik habang tinatakpan ang aking bibig. I tried to cup my face para pigilan ang paglapad ng aking ngiti ngunit hindi ko ito magawa. I think this is the happiest day of my life. Japan won gold during the Winter Olympic Games earlier, and Mom showed me the room that I have always been curious about since I was young. Totally the best day so far. Although, I really expected some monster to barge out of the room since that's what she always tells me whenever I ask her about it, fortunately, no monster came out. I don't even know if I can sleep well later dahil sa saya ko. "Halika na, anak. Dad is probably waiting for us in the dining area," sabi niya sabay hawak ulit sa aking kanang kamay. "Okay, Mom," sabi ko naman pabalik sa kanya. We went to the dining area where Dad was already sitting in front of the table while reading something on his phone. As soon as he saw us approaching, ngumiti siya saka tumayo para salubungin kami ni Mom. My Mom let go of my hand saka ako tumakbo patungo kay Dad at binuhat niya ako. "Why the happy face?" he asked me while I giggle in his arms. Hindi pa ako nakasagot ay nagsalita na siya agad. "Hmm. Let me guess," he said as he pretended to think carefully while scrunching his face. Hinintay ko si Dad nang ilang minuto bago siya tuluyang sumagot. "Did Mom finally show you the room you've always wanted to see before?" Dad asked as he squinted his eyes at me. "Yes! I never knew you and Mom were Olympic medalists, Dad!" I exclaimed. Tumawa lamang siya saka ako niyakap muli. Based on what my grandparents told me, Mom and Dad met during the Olympic Games back then and he asked for Mom's number during their victory party after the competition. Dad has always been a competitive person; may it be in figure skating or the business world. He said that he has already retired from the said sport, and the same goes through with Mom because they want to focus on our business. Kapag naman may libre silang oras ay tinuturuan nila ako paano mag-skate sa labas ng aming bahay during winter season, o di naman kaya'y dinadala nila ako sa mga skating rink sa Canada. Sometimes, whenever we are inside the rink, most of the skaters approach them for signatures and that's when I thought that they're famous in our land. "That's why you must earn an Olympic medal too, Ash," he said as he pinched my nose. "Of course, Dad! I will try my best-" I was about to finish my sentence when Dad cut me off. "Not just try, Ash. You have to be sure that you'll bag that medal as you grow up-" his words were cut when Mom suddenly went to the both of us and took me from my dad as she cradled me in her arms instead. "Kumain na tayo ng hapunan," bigla niyang sambit. Agad naman akong napabaling sa mesa at nandoon ang maraming mga pagkain na nakahain. Mom put me down on the chair beside her at siya naman naupo na rin. Dad sat on the edge of the table near us saka kami nagsimulang kumain. While eating dinner, Mom and Dad were talking about business-related matters pero wala akong maintindihan dahil iba ang tumatakbo sa aking isipan. I started daydreaming about myself skating at the center of the crowd and under the spotlight. I wonder if I can perfectly pull of stunts, though? I think I can. With time and practice, basically. I finished up the rest of my food nang makabatid na ako ng antok. My room is separated from my parents', but Mom always tucks me in bed before she sleeps. Sinamahan ako ni Mama Ruth sa banyo para magsipilyo bago ako matulog. Mom told me to address our housekeeper as Mama Ruth simula pa noong 6 years old ako kaya nakasanayan ko na ito. Mama Ruth also takes good care of me every day which is why I really like her. Pagkatapos magsipilyo ay lumabas na kami sa banyo kung saan naghihintay si Mom sa labas. Both of us went to my room at nauna na akong umakyat sa aking higaan at itinaas ang kumot sa aking baywang. I looked at Mom and she sat on the edge of the bed. Ngumiti siya habang pinapasadahan ng kamay ang aking ulo before she kissed my head. "Good night, Ash," sabi niya habang nakatayo na mula sa pagkakaupo sa kama. "Good night, Mom," I replied. She turned off the lamp shade above the desk beside my bed saka naglakad palabas ng kwarto. As soon as she closed the door of my room ay ipinikit ko na ang aking mga mata. I can't stop smiling as I started to think about my future self as a figure skater like my parents someday. Someday, I will enter local and regional figure skating competitions. Then after that, I will enter the national category. Then after that, sasali naman ako sa Winter Olympics where I will do my best to earn myself that gold medal. And if I am fortunate enough, skating against Yuzuru Hanyu himself will be the best that will happen to my life. Although, I don't know if he'll retire by then because I am still very young. But still, no one holds the future. All I can do is hope for a chance to meet him personally. My thoughts went on and on as I started to drift to sleep.