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"Skating"

Nostalgia is something we see as special, something our mind holds dear closer to memories. We look back and think about the things from our childhood we wish we could relive. Of course, there are some dark things we'd rather not think too much about. That's what tonight's story is about. Not of the happy times but of the dark ones.

It was climbing nearer and nearer to Christmas and I was all alone within my home. Not a single person wanted to be around me enough to consider me family. I was trapped in a dark void of perpetual loneliness with the desperate means for an escape. How beautiful and freeing would it be to go out and do the things I'd always wanted to do, look back on the things I used to do and see if I was still any good at it.
I looked over to my phone, seeing if there was anything to look back on, to remind me of the person I was. I found a few photos of me and my ex-girlfriend, Cindy. She and I had dated for nearly two years before she ended up cheating on me. She swore on her life she didn't but I saw it for myself and the eyes don't lie.
In the photo, she and I went on roller skating at an indoor rink. She was a natural, catching on quick. I, on the other hand, was sloppy at best, holding on to the railing the entire time. I was incredibly jealous of her ability to pick things up and get good at things so quick. How does one do that?
I figured the best thing I could do was try skating again. After all, what was the worst thing that could come of it? I took a quick shower, reflecting and thinking I will be far better than I was before. I then threw on some good clothes and headed out the door and to the rink.
When I got there, it was crowded with a ton if kids and teens, along with a few adults, looking after said kids. I saw a few of them helping their kids to skate and keep balance. Some of the teens pulled off some interesting tricks that made me insanely jealous. I'm sure some of them were trying to impress women skating openly there.
I thought back to the failure I was before and used that as some encouragement to do better. The man behind the counter handed me a set of skates and I went over to an open bench to throw them on. The skates were a little snug but not uncomfortable. 
After putting on the skates, I took off on the rink. It almost felt as though I was going to lose control and leaned against the wall to help me regain my balance. I focused as hard as I could to find my center balance and somehow actually found it. I was in awe at my newfound skill. I was incredibly proud.
I looked up and felt comfortable, gliding against the slick floor. Upon looking around, I saw that everyone around me was on the floor, unmoving. I looked to the doorway to find a man in a gas mask. He was heading out the door, waving at me before leaving.

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