A/N: This one's a fun one!

What did you think of that all-around final? JJ and Simone's scores seemed so much lower than we're used to seeing from them.

The judging yesterday was quite strict, which is absolutely fine as long as everyone is ranked where they should be. I think the podium was absolutely bang on – Simone was always going to win, and JJ and Larisa fought through and despite their minor mistakes, they were clearly the silver and bronze medallists out of the bunch. Keeping in mind that the two Americans also had some issues which copped deductions; Simone had that issue on beam and an out of bounds on floor, and JJ had some larger form breaks on vault and bars. There has been a TON of pressure on these girls this week, it absolutely did not surprise me at all that they've had some minor falters. Hopefully now that the biggest two finals are over, they're feeling a little more relaxed.

|onodirufolva|

Idk about you guys, but something seems a little off about JJ this week. I mean... all the girls seem a little tired, which is understandable because the pressure is huge, but... similar to earlier in the year, which we now know was to do with her sister, she just seems a little less bubbly and bright as she usually is? Did anyone else notice that?

|tkatchevmeifyoucan|

yeah, I thought I was imagining it. Wonder if she's ok. Sounds like she's had a shit year.

|olympichampion|

who knows. I'm sure she's fine. I know they're in the public eye because of what they do, but these gymnasts are still people too, they are allowed to be sad and down because of things in their personal life. I don't know why the gymternet always gets so worried, y'all act like JJ is severely depressed and is the only gymnast ever who gets sad and has bad days. I mean, I'm worried about her too, but from what we can tell, she has an amazing support network in her coach, her parents, and Will, and I'm sure they're looking out for her if it's anything for major concern.

"Ooh, olympichampion just shut them down," Aly giggled as JJ scrolled further down the screen. "It's sweet that they worry about us all though"

"Yeah," JJ said softly, perusing the screen for a minute before turning to Aly. "Do you think I seem different lately?"

Aly gave her a small smile, putting an arm around her shoulders. "You seem like someone who has spent all year fighting back shit with a stick without any chance to rest, but is still working her ass off to do what she loves most," she said gently. "You found out like four days ago that your dad has cancer, JJ, it's ok to be sad about that. We can't all be like Simone all the time. Hell, I can't even be like Simone for ten minutes, it's exhausting!"

JJ laughed as Aly sank down beside her.

"You'll bounce back when everything's had a chance to sink in. In the meantime, think about how all these sweet people out there are worried about you and just want to make sure you're ok. They love you as much as I do, and they've never even met you"

Smiling, JJ looked back to the screen, where someone had just reblogged a gifset of her routines from the final the previous day. In the pictures from the medal ceremony, she was smiling, beaming even, from ear to ear. The pride she felt in herself and in her silver medal shone through relentlessly, and it was bringing back all those feelings from the previous evening in a heady rush.

"You guys were amazing," Aly said softly, breaking the silence as she noticed where JJ was looking. "You should both be very proud"

Looking up at Aly, JJ smiled again.

"I am. But I know Dad is even prouder"

With one last deep breath, JJ tapped the 'Post' button, effectively sending out the Instagram post she'd been mulling over for the better part of an hour.

It was a photo of her and her dad, taken the day she'd been named to the Olympic team. There were tears in their eyes, her dad's embrace tight around her, but their smiles and joy were unparalleled.

I've noticed the past few days that everyone seems a little concerned about me, so I've decided to clear the air. It's been a pretty rough year for me personally. Since Christmas, I've been dealing with a bit of anxiety, something that hasn't been an issue for me since I was about twelve or thirteen. Initially, I had no idea why I felt so out of sorts, but I later realised it was because the ten year anniversary of my sister's death was this year. Coupled with will_lamontagne and I going through a rough patch, and my year just didn't get off to an amazing start. I'm sure by now, most of you will have seen the Blackbird campaign I joined where I talked about what happened to my family in 2005. Something like that never really goes away, and I've honestly only just gotten over the cusp of it now. Then Classics and Nationals happened. I wasn't majorly traumatised or anything by my mistakes and falls at these meets, but I was disappointed in myself because I know I can perform much better than that. But just a few days ago, something happened that has truly changed my world as I know it. The night before the team final, I called home to check in because my dad hasn't been very well. What I learned during that phone call is that my dad, my absolute biggest cheerleader, has been diagnosed with stage four cancer. It's the worst news I've received, and to receive when I'm away at Worlds was even worse. But you know something? Yes, I may seem down, I may seem a little sad. That's ok. I'm still going to go out there and absolutely kill it because my dad wouldn't want me to do anything less. He's at home cheering for me on NBC, and I want to go out in my remaining finals and perform for him, because it makes him so happy to see me competing for my country. He has always been and will always be my biggest supporter. Every one of my victories is his victory too.

Thank you all for showing concern. It means a lot that so many people I've never met care so much about me. I really am ok, I just have a lot going on and it's a lot to take in. Please send strength and love for my dad. We're going to need it.

Less than five minutes later, her phone lit up with notifications from both Twitter and Instagram. Opening Instagram, JJ was touched to see the things people were saying to her.

gymrudestics JJ, we're all thinking of you and know you're gonna kill it for your dad! So sorry to hear his diagnosis *heart*

Biting her lip to fight back the lump in her throat, JJ tapped on the comment, liking it, before typing out a quick reply.

jenniferjareau94 Thank you so much, it really does mean a lot. Just keep sending positive vibes our way *heart*

Continuing on, JJ read through and liked a few more of the comments, before taking a deep breath and rising from where she was sitting on the bed.

A weight off her shoulders and some strength at her back. Just like her dad had said... everything was going to be just fine.