The frozen lake stretched out in front of them, shimmering under the pale winter sun. Sophie squealed with excitement, hopping on her skates like a bunny while Lauren stood a few paces back, her arms crossed, her face scrunched in apprehension.
“This was your big idea?” Lauren asked, her breath clouding in the air. “A frozen lake? Really?”
Larry grinned as he laced up his skates, his fingers moving with practiced ease. “Relax, it’s perfectly safe. It’s been frozen solid for weeks. Plus, Sophie’s clearly pumped.”
“I’m gonna be a figure skating star! Watch me, Lauren!” Sophie screamed, already wobbling onto the ice.
Lauren winced as Sophie’s first attempt at gliding looked more like controlled falling. “If she breaks something...”
“She won’t,” Larry interrupted, standing and offering hi
