A New Rhythm in Miami

The warm Miami air felt completely different from what Liora had expected.

No sooner had she stepped out of the air-conditioned lobby of the student dorm than the humid heat hit her. Palm trees swayed in the breeze, music played somewhere nearby, and students hurried across the sprawling campus between buildings, carrying cardboard boxes, gym bags, and oversized coffee cups.

Liora paused for a moment on the steps.

A large gym bag hung over her shoulder. She held her phone—displaying the campus map—in one hand, while two suitcases waited beside her to be taken to her new room.

She had tied her long, platinum-blonde waves into a loose ponytail to cope with the heat; a pink bow held back a few stray strands. Along with white shorts and sneakers, she wore a light-colored top and her green-and-pink varsity jacket.

"Okay, Lia..." she murmured softly to herself. "New college. New city. You can do this."

At least, she hoped so.

Miami was meant to be her fresh start.

She was here primarily for the outstanding athletics program. Rhythmic gymnastics had been her greatest passion since childhood, and she wanted to see just how far she could take it.

At the same time, she had already looked into opportunities for figure skating and swimming.

And then there was the beach volleyball team.

The thought made her smile. It was a sport for which Miami was arguably the perfect location.

A glance at her phone, however, made the smile vanish.

Orientation – Athletic Department. 10:30 AM.

Liora checked her watch.

10:17.

Her emerald-green eyes widened.

“Oh no.”

The suitcases would have to wait.

She grabbed her gym bag and set off across the campus at a brisk pace. At first, she was just walking. Then, she broke into a light jog.

Of course, it took less than two minutes for her to realize she was apparently heading in the wrong direction.

Liora slowed her pace and studied the buildings ahead.

Football Facilities.

Definitely not the rhythmic gymnastics hall.

“Great.”

She pulled out her phone, rotated the map, and frowned. That didn’t make things any clearer.

Then she noticed someone nearby.

Liora hesitated briefly before approaching the person with an apologetic smile.

“Hey, sorry... I’m new here.”

She held up her phone.

“Could you tell me where the Athletic Center is? I have my first team meeting in about...”

A glance at her watch.

“...eleven minutes.”

A small, sheepish smile played on her lips.

“And if you tell me it’s on the other side of campus, I’ll probably just pretend I didn’t hear you.”