“You love structure.”
“I dislike rotating personnel.”
“You created a contingency tab for bathrooms.”
“Not relevant.”
Miguel rode away. Amy continued toward Tessa. I watched until she disappeared. Then I biked to mile fifteen.
At mile thirteen, Tessa ran beside Amy for half a mile in shoes unsuitable for running. At mile fourteen, Rose walked with her through an aid stop and checked the knee. At mile fifteen, I entered. Amy looked furious. Good. Anger meant energy.
“This was your plan,” I said.
“It was Miguel’s.”
“You approved.”
“I was rested.”
“Poor decision environment.”
She kept running. The effort showed in every step.
“How does it feel?”
“Bad.”
“Specific.”
“Legs heavy. Feet sore. Breathing controlled. No knee pain.”
“Good.”
“It is not good.”
“Safe is excellent.”
“I remember.”
Mile fifteen point five. Amy’s pace slowed. I matched it.
“You can walk.”
“Yes. Do you want to?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“I am afraid I won’t start again.”
There. Honest.
“We can use a timed walk.”
“How long?”
“One minute.”
