The Sky’s the Limit: My Journey with Maryellen

Mr. Larkin calls out that it’s time to go. While Carolyn, Beverly, and Tom climb into the car, I thank him for the ride, but ask Joan and Jerry to call me a taxi so I can use my ticket home, not mentioning that ticket is just my watch.

Maryellen overhears and says I shouldn’t go. I hug her. Mr. Larkin puts an arm around his daughter and says that’s fine, if I’m sure. I nod, explaining I miss my family and want to spend Thanksgiving with them. Mrs. Larkin says they understand.

Maryellen wishes I didn’t have to go. She’s loved knowing me, and I’ll never forget her either. With a sigh, she hugs me once more, then climbs into the car with her parents. The station wagon pulls away, and I wave until it rounds the corner.

With a heavy heart, I change back into my ski uniform and leave Carolyn’s clothes folded on her bed. Scooter follows me to the kitchen and sits on my feet. Joan and Jerry call me a taxi, and the moment it drops me at the airport, I click my watch.

Once again I feel like I’m flying, then I’m back on the ski race platform. Coach Stanislav talks to the judge, steely-eyed, while everyone else whispers. My family looks disappointed and sad. I think about clicking the watch again, but realize checking out now would let everyone down. So I step away from Mom’s arm, take a deep breath, and tell everyone to listen.

They ignore me, but I call out louder until everyone turns to me, and I demand a chance to defend myself. The judge lets me speak, and I insist they all know me. I would never cheat, I simply chose the wrong branch off the trail and made an honest mistake. I hand the watch to the judge. I didn’t win, so I don’t deserve it, but I’m not a cheater and shouldn’t be treated like one.

After a silence, Coach Stanislav says it took guts to speak up. Emma hugs me, apologizes for doubting me, and asks forgiveness. I hug her back, then hug Mom and Dad, my heart light with relief. Emma says she’s glad I told them the truth. It was brave.

I catch a glimpse of the watch in the judge’s hand and smile. I didn’t tell them quite everything, and I wonder if I’ll ever be brave enough to someday.