A/N: This one's short. And... well, you all know what's coming next.

Don't US Olympic AA champions usually do a lot of media and endorsements after the Olympics? It's been four months and aside from the Kellogg's Tour and the occasional interview, we've hardly seen JJ at all.

I've gotten like ten questions to this effect and I feel like you guys, as much as you love the gymnasts and want the best for them, forget that they are human too. Yes, all of our last Olympic AA champions became big names in the media following their Games, but all of our last Olympic champions weren't dealing with massive personal tragedies that occurred literally weeks before the competition. I don't blame JJ for kind of dipping out of the spotlight after the Games... homegirl barely had a chance to grieve with her family before hopping on a plane and heading to Brazil. She's a human being, who has been through a lot in her entire life, but especially this last year, and I 100% respect that she needs some time to process everything that happened to her this year. Even when we have seen her in public since Rio, she hasn't been herself, and I'm glad she's allowing herself this space to grieve.

All five girls said they want to try for Tokyo! Do you think they will make it?

Haha, look, I think a lot of that was the post competition high. I could see Simone going for it, and possibly Laurie, but Madison's glass ankles probably won't stay in one piece that long. As for JJ and Aly... I'm really unsure. I feel like they will both retire now, although I could see Aly Chuso-ing her way to Tokyo if she decides she wants to go for it. JJ's been through hell this year, I would not blame her if she decides to throw in the towel and move on with her life.

Did you see the video of Will proposing to JJ?

Yes! So cute! I'm so happy for them, I'm glad JJ has something happy and exciting going on in her life right now when all she's had this year is sadness (except for Rio of course).

"JJ, I'm going out for a few hours"

JJ lifted her head from her pillow, looking over her shoulder at where her mom was standing in the doorway. "Where are you going?"

Sandy hesitated, her fingers coming to the wedding ring that still sat on her left hand. She glanced down, twisting it around and around, before taking a deep breath and looking up at her daughter. "I've joined a support group... for people who've lost their spouses. There's a meeting this afternoon, so I'm going to meet my friend Paula for lunch and then I'm going to the group"

JJ's face softened. Slowly, she pushed herself up, crossing her legs as she turned her body to face her mom. "Why?"

"Because... it's been tough. And as much as I've tried to just pick up and move forward, some days are really hard," Sandy said gently. "It's not a bad thing to get some help when you need it"

JJ avoided her mother's gaze, picking at the edge of her fingernails.

"Have you thought about speaking to a grief counsellor?" Sandy asked gently. JJ shook her head, keeping her eyes resolutely down towards the floor. "I know grief takes a natural course, JJ, and I know you're determined to fight through it by yourself, but think about it, ok? I think it will do you a world of good." Glancing at her watch, Sandy smiled. "I have to go, but I'll be back later. Maybe the three of us can go out for dinner or something... get out of the house"

Nodding, JJ watched as her mom left the room. She sat for a moment, listening as her footsteps carried down the stairs. The front door opened and closed, and then, she was alone, the house silent around her.

Pulling herself up off the bed, she stretched out, letting out a sigh as she did. Her attention was quickly drawn to her nightstand when her phone buzzed loudly against the wood. Turning, she reached over and grabbed it, seeing a message from Sheryl lighting up her screen.

Hey JJ, just got word that you and the rest of the team have been invited to attend the Golden Globes in LA on January 7th next year. Is that something you would be interested in attending right now? You can bring Will as well. Let me know by the end of the week so I can finalise your invite.

A flutter of excitement ran through her chest. The Golden Globes? A huge formal event, in the heart of Hollywood... rubbing shoulders with celebrities, walking the red carpet... even as she thought of it, she was smiling with genuine excitement, a feeling she hadn't had in weeks.

Don't even need to think about it. Count me in.