The second he asks me to stay close, I'm already reaching for his hand, sliding it easily in his and squeezing tight. As simple a thing as this is, I know it's a big deal for him. There's no way it couldn't be. I'm not sure what sort of support I can be right now, but if there's anything he needs from me, I want to give it.

"Have you ever thought about figure skating at all?" I ask him when start making another lap. "Like, even a little bit?"