The road to hell is paved with good intentions, and this: a spring floor.”
-- Sera (Prologue )

Importance: This is an indication that Sera's progress through years of training to become an Olympic athlete is not easy or simple. It also hints that she will not always make the right choices on this journey.

My family hadn't eaten red meat for a year to afford new leos, the trip to Texas, and extra training at the gym in Indiana – and we were up to twenty hours a week now. Every additional skill on my roster was something tangible to legitimize their sacrifices.”
-- Sera (1 )

Importance: This is the first indication that Sera is fully aware of what her training, transportation, and time are costing her family.

I understood the benefits and ramifications of lifting the difficulty ceiling in the new scoring system. It was like I was the one acquiring new skills.”
-- Charlene (3 )

Importance: Charlene spends countless hours in...