David Senra

I stare into the river and ask JP, what if I'm no good?

What if today wasn't a bad day, but my best day?

I'm always making excuses when I lose.

I could have beaten him if I did such and such, if I'd wanted it, if I had my A game, if I'd gotten the calls.

But what if I'm playing my best and I care and I want it and I'm still not the best in the world?

JP responds, well, what if?

I think I'd rather die.

I lean against the railing, sobbing.

JP has the decency, the wisdom to say and do nothing.

He knows there's nothing to say, nothing to do, but to wait for this fire to burn out.

That's a great line and a great way to describe some of these emotions that are uncontrollable.

You just have to wait for the fire to burn out.

In the very beginning of the book, he talks about this guy Gil, who's his trainer, his friend, but really a surrogate father.

And even at this point in his career, Andre's making a ton of money.

He's famous.

He's winning a lot of tournaments.

And he goes over to Gil's house on Christmas Eve and Gil can't understand it.

It's like, wouldn't you be happier at a party?

Why aren't you?

You're young.