The Tryout

Christina and Megan practice together for the big tryout, which is to be held in front of the whole school and several judges. Christina still wonders why Megan didn’t pick her as a partner but doesn’t want to ask. She hopes that they both make the team so that she and Megan can stay best friends.

Christina and her parents drive to Dallas to visit the Taiwanese Buddhist temple that they used to attend. They see old friends, and Christina talks about the cultural norms surrounding manners and greeting others. The family prays, and Christina prays that she will make it on the cheerleading team. The family enjoys a delicious lunch together, and Christina drops in on a language lesson. Christina regrets not learning to speak Thai and feels left out around her old friends, although she still loves everything else about the temple. Since there is no temple in Grangeview, Christina and her mother go to church every Sunday. Christina likes going to church and feeling connected to something bigger. She wonders why it’s frowned upon to follow both Buddha and Jesus, as she sees many similarities in their teachings, like acting with compassion.