Chapter 26Welcome to the Prudential US Figure Skating Championships, Boston, MA read the large banner clear across the arena where Tom Alan and Erika stood behind the boards, waiting for the call for the final group to take the ice. January 11, 2014—there’d been a big red circle around that date since Tom Alan had picked up the Star Wars calendar way back last September. There was only one way, just one, for a skater, a pair, to be assured a spot on the US Olympic Figure Skating Team. A win at the National Championships. Gold.
The difference between Japan and the US was not evident in the fans themselves. Every person seated at the arena in Boston was devoted, enthusiastic, and supportive. The difference was rather that there were fewer of them. There were empty seats, something never see
