Pip stepped onto the rink floor. Her skates clicked and clacked. She gripped the padded rail, knuckles white. Her breath fogged the cool air.
Her knuckles were white. The rail felt solid under her palms. She took a shaky breath.
A boy zoomed past on skates. 'You can do it!' he called, laughing.
Pip let go of the rail. One skate slid forward.
Her skates wobbled. She flapped her arms like a bird.
The rink lights blurred. She gasped, feet scuffing the floor.
Pip took a deep breath. She pushed off hard.
Her skates glided smoothly. She circled the whole rink without stopping.
Her eyes widened. She let out a happy squeal.
Pip skated back to the rail, grinning. 'I did it!' she said. She did a little spin, her skates whistling on the floor.