#Chapter 79: Skating Blues

I bit my lip, feeling a bit sheepish. "Maybe just a little?" He extended his hand, his touch warm and reassuring as I tentatively placed mine in his. His grip was steady as he guided me forward, his movements deliberate and patient. It was surprisingly comforting, and I found myself focusing on the feel of his hand in mine rather than the skating itself. My breath was getting a bit more labored, but I wasn’t so sure that it was from the skating. I could feel my hand growing embarrassingly sweaty in his grasp, but I knew pulling away would only result in me crashing to the floor. With Timothy's guidance, I felt a bit steadier on my feet. His touch was firm yet gentle, and I focused on his voice as he offered tips and encouragement. "You're doing great, Evie. Just relax and let the skates do the work." His words were oddly soothing, and I found myself growing more comfortable with each step. My initial embarrassment began to fade, replaced by a determination to master this newf