The doors slam behind me as I walk into the hockey rink. A wave of cool air hits me as I walk, giants surrounding every direction. Sounds of ridicule fill my ears, as I cower in embarrassment. The words midget and twig stand out as I try to disappear into the background. All my gaze reaches the ground, and I make my way to the locker room. My stomach twists into knots as I sit down, and my body feels weak. I quickly open my bag after sensing a finger pointed in my direction. I don’t want to talk. In the middle of all this commotion, I feel as insignificant as an ant. I slowly get dressed and assess the room. Not a single person. 

My heart drops for a second as I come to the realization that everyone is massive compared to me. Every single person. I lace up my skates and cautiously move to the door leading to the ice, where the Zamboni has one lap left. I attempt to disappear into the sea of tumult, hoping to escape discouraging remarks. After what feels like an eternity, I step onto the ice, and a surge of jittery energy hits me. 

Thoughts of proving the others wrong enter my brain, and I go full speed as the cold and dry air hits me in the face. A determined expression uncontrollably forms on my face. I look up at the mountains next to me and make a goal of overcoming them.