"It's time."
"No," Yakov said. "He is not ready."
"And when will he be?" Lilia asked.
Yakov averted his eyes.
"If you ask me," Josef said. "This is way overdue."
"He is still my skater," Yakov countered.
"But he's approaching retirement," Muramoto said. "Plus both he and Katsuki managed to medal at Worlds; seems ready enough."
"I think," Lilia said, turning to face Yakov. "That you are afraid."
"I am not!"
"Then prove it."
Yakov didn't respond.
The other coaches exchanged a glance, taking this as permission.
"Viktor," Celestino called across the room. "Want to catch drinks with us sometime?"
