The change is subtle, but after going through these same steps a hundred times — positioning himself, correcting his stance, Kyle pushing at different points — he can feel the difference. A tiny grin flickers across his lips. His delicate pride is as easy to buoy as it is to break.

"I think so."

Wilhelm had begun to regret agreeing to Kyle's suggestion that they meet every day to train, after dipping his toes in with semi-weekly sessions. But it could be that taking the plunge is the only way to make any real progress. That's bad news for his hopes of ever sleeping in again, but better news for his self-confidence.

"So...now what?"