"Come on," Helen said after a minute.  She still looked upset, but not devastated like earlier.<br/><br/>Helen led Isolde to the practice gym. The door was locked but she jiggled the handle and slapped it hard, springing the loose lock. She slipped inside and held it open for Isolde to join her. The practice gym was dark, lit only by the red EXIT sign and smelled of chalk and foam and years of effort. Strange apparatuses loomed in the gloom.<br/><br/>"Promise me you're not just saying that, Isolde. Please," she implored. "Or tell me that there isn't anything between us. But don't let me hope.  Please, Isolde. Please don't play with me."