What it means to win

>The ball had become second nature to her now. The rhythm of her motion mirrored the last perfectly with every throw. She didnt even need to look where it it flew, because it would land in the same spot every time.
>her gaze traveled around her shared bedroom. How many hours had it been now? It seemed like only seconds had past since she started this self-appointed challenge.
>But why did she need to challenge herself again? She was already the best, what was there to prove?
>Because she'a Lynn Loud. Record Breaker, Competitor, Team player, Golden Girl, The number 1 all-star athlete of royal woods.
>She didnt need to prove anything.
>Her eyes squinted at gleam coming from her new trophy that she had left sitting on the counter beside her bed.  How its fresh polish of gold glistened in the sun light that permiated through her window.
>She only got it yesterday but already she forgot what it was for? She could have just read what was imprinted into the trophy, But it had her name on it. So what did it matter what it was for?
>She gazed back up at the ball. Her hand robotically catching and then throwing it again in the same motion as before. Up and down. Catch and release. Another success story.
>Was that all? Is that who She was?
>The Jock. The Rough and tumbled loud? Always striving to be the best when no one even questions it?
>This gold paintsd ornament would just be another addition to a set of ribbons, Medals and other assorted prizes collecting dust on a self.
>This would be her legacy. A series of things with her name printed again and again. Telling everyone how great she was.
>Is that what they would remember her for? Would they even know her? Would they even care? If she lost would it all go away?
>Without sports, without competition, or the need to win and be the best. Who would she be?
>she felt the ball land on her palm again and just as quickly she tossed it into the air.
>What if she broke her leg, became a vegetable from an accident, or was just crippled for life. Who would Lynn Loud Jr. Be then...
>a burden.
>useless.
>pointless.
>meaningless.
>She became so familiar with the texture of the ball. She could feel every stitching in it as it landed back in her hand.
>No matter what, She coudlnt stop. She had to keep striving for the peak. Once you've reached the top you cant be knocked off and if you see the edge, then you just need to climb higher.
>if she fell, its only because she choose to fall. No obstacle she couldnt overcome and conquer. The victory was all that mattered. She couldnt fail. Because thats all she could be is a winner.
>The ball seemed to get lighter with each throw. lingering longer in the air.
>She'd just needed to keep training, no time for fun, no time for life, no time for anything other then being the best.
>the ball seemed so light now that she didnt feel it land on her hand.
>because it smacked her in the face.
>she winced at the pain, her nose bruised from the sudden smack. She glared at the ball laying on her chest and with a sudden burst of anger, she threw it as hard as she could against the wall.
>with immense force it bounced off the wall and ricocheted off the ceiling right back at her.
>she ducked in time for it to fly over her before slingshotting off the wall next to her. She closed her eyes to brace herself for the incoming hit her but only felt the air of her ball whizz by.
>and then the sound of metal breaking.
>she peaked over the edge of her bed. Her new trophy now in pieces on the floor. Her name now unrecognizable in its scattered shards.
>She cleched her fist hard ... But just as quickly it unfirled and fell limply.
>What was the point?
>She just fell back into her pillow and stared into the ceiling. She felt so heavy, her thoughts finally pushing her down.
>Feeling the inkling of a warm tear beginning to form. She turned to face the wall. Ashamed.
>she knew what Lynn Loud Jr. Would be if she ever lost.
>Nothing