#Chapter 58: A Challenge

“You are the Statford Freeze, with or without Aiden,” I remind them. “You’ve risen to fame. You’ve made it to the semifinals. Has all of that growth been for nothing?” I hear a quiet chorus of “no” in response to my words. A passionate smile pulls at my lips. “Then show them,” I challenge. “Show the audience. Show the other team. Most importantly, show yourselves.” I can feel the energy coursing through me with every word I speak. The energy seems to affect the team, too. “Who are you?” I ask them. “The Statford Freeze,” they call back. I grin. “I said, who are you?” “The Statford Freeze!” They shout in response. I can see the determination begin to form in each and every one of them. “Then go out there and show them!” I demand. The team breaks into a chorus of cheers and whoops, getting to their feet. I turn to see Richard is smiling at me from the doorway, with Coach Henry looking reluctantly pleased beside them. I can’t help but smile back. For a brief moment, I think I see