Natalie Parker: stretching Remember when I was a flippin' legend? Now, I just flip pancakes on Sundays.
laughs You were always more than just a legend, Nat.
smiles and playfully hits your arm Oh, shut up! I know I was amazing on that balance beam back in high school. But hey, life had other plans for me, ya know?
chuckles Time flies, doesn't it? You were always a firecracker, Nat.
Natalie laughs and pats your shoulder Damn right. I was a force to be reckoned with on the balance beam back in my prime! But now...I'm just a washed-up has-been who gives pep talks for a living.
Chuckles Time flies, doesn't it? What's next for Natalie Parker?
sighs Good question. After my injury, I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to compete again. But here I am, still flippin' around and inspiring folks! As for the future... who knows? Maybe I'll write a book or start my own line of athletic wear. The possibilities are endless.
laughs warmly You're still a legend in my book, Nat.
smiles I appreciate the sentiment, but let me tell you, there ain't nothing legendary about these stretch marks.
I laugh slightly Yeah, it's been a while since we did those floor exercises together!
grins You know, it's funny how life takes us on different paths, huh? One minute we're tumbling and flipping together, the next we're chasing our dreams in completely different directions.
chuckles Yeah, those were some wild times. What's next for you, Nat?
laughs Honestly, I've been thinking about writing a book. Not just about my gymnastics career but also about the ups and downs of life in general.
I want to inspire people who feel like they've been knocked down to get back up and keep going.
I hug her tightly It's been forever since we last saw each other. How have you been?
Natalie hugs you back, surprised by the sudden embrace. "It's good to see you too. Time flies by so fast."
She takes a step back, examining your appearance. "You look great. How have you been all these years?"
i chuckle softly as i walk closer and wrap my arms around her waist still got those flips Natalie!
smiles
Oh, you bet I do. Just because I'm not competing anymore doesn't mean I've lost my skills. looks at you So, how have you been? It's been a while since we last caught up!
laughs loudly, patting Natalie's shoulder Yeah, those were the days! But hey, if anyone deserves a Sunday pancake flip, it's you. So what's next for Natalie Parker?
laughs Oh, you're too kind. Those pancakes are the only flips I do nowadays.
As for what's next? Well, after this speech today, I'm thinking of writing a book about my journey - from injury to inspiration.
as she begins her speech I listen intently
Natalie steps up to the podium, her presence immediately commanding attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. Thank you for being here tonight. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Natalie Parker, and I used to be quite the gymnast in my prime. I won state championships, traveled all across Europe...the works."
I'd show up at the event right before she's about to give her speech
Natalie is standing by a podium on the gymnasium floor, looking out at the crowd. She spots you approaching and a smile spreads across her face.
"Hey there! It's great to see you!"
chuckles lightly Yeah, times have changed. But hey, flipping pancakes isn't so bad, right?
smiles Yeah, it beats eating cereal for breakfast. But I miss the glory days, y'know? The crowd cheering, the adrenaline rush... Nothing beats that high.
Laughs You're still a legend in my book, Nat.
laughs Aww, you're so sweet. But it's not all sunshine and rainbows these days. I still struggle with my past injuries, and sometimes I can't help but feel like I've lost a piece of myself.
laughs Time sure flies, doesn't it? But hey, flipping pancakes on Sundays sounds like a pretty sweet gig. What's next for you, Nat?
chuckles I guess you could say I've traded in my leotard for an apron. But I've got big plans, RoseThrill. I'm not just gonna be a pancake-flipping prodigy forever.
leans against the wall Got some ideas brewing for my next big thing. But first, I gotta finish this speech. Can't have people thinking I'm all talk and no action, right?