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tell the truth. She knewShalimar didn’t rip the couch. She did. She felt so guilty.
    â€œI know,” Tina said unhappily. “I tried to tell my mom Shalimar would never do something like that, but she—”
    Her words were cut off as Ms. Mason began explaining the rules of the tryouts. A moment later the door opened and Nancy rushed into the gym.
    Wendy gasped. She was shocked by Nancy’s appearance. Nancy looked terrible. Her skin was covered with red spots. Her red nose seemed raw and her eyes were swollen. Nancy rushed to take a seat in front of Wendy and Tina. As soon as she sat down, she sneezed.
    â€œYou’re late, Nancy,” Ms. Mason commented. “We almost started without you.”
    â€œI’m sorry,” Nancy replied. “I—AH-CHOOO!” She pulled a tissue out of her bag.
    â€œIf you’re sick, you shouldn’t be here,” Ms. Mason told Nancy gently.
    â€œI’m not sick,” Nancy objected hoarsely. “It’s just allergies. I’m fine, honest. I—I—AH-CHOO!”
    Wendy’s mouth dropped open. She had no idea that allergies could be so bad! She felt terrible.
    â€œLet’s get started,” Ms. Mason said. Wendy glanced at the nine other girls who were also trying out for the Shadyside Middle School team. She knew she might be in the top five, maybe , but that wouldn’t be good enough. Only three girls would be chosen. And she had to be able to perform on the balance beam. Without falling!
    â€œWendy,” Ms. Mason said. “You’re first. Good luck!”
    â€œGo for it!” Tina whispered. “It’s in the bag.”
    Wendy smiled at Tina, then approached the mat. The floor routine was her best event. She was glad they were starting with it. She took a deep breath, tucked, and went into a forward roll.
    Every cartwheel, every handspring, every flip was perfect. Wendy knew she had never performed better in her life. Her concentration never wavered. She remembered all the choreography. Her muscles responded exactly as she wanted. She was strong and graceful.
    Graceful as a cat.
    Even before she finished the routine, Wendy heard applause. Her face glistened with sweat. She came to her final position and grinned.
    â€œThat was excellent!” Ms. Mason exclaimed. “Debbie, your turn.” Wendy returned to her seat, bursting with confidence.
    Soon it was time for the final event of the tryouts. The balance beam.
    Wendy had performed well so far. She knew she was one of the top four girls in the group.
    She actually had a chance—a chance of making the team!
    But now she had to face her toughest challenge. The balance beam.
    Wendy’s throat tightened as she walked toward the four-inch plank. You can do it, Wendy told herself. You’re having a great day.
    Wendy stood by the balance beam. She took a deep breath and glanced at the bleachers. Tina grinned and gave her a thumbs-up.
    â€œOkay, Wendy,” Ms. Mason urged her gently. “Whenever you’re ready.”
    Wendy turned to the beam, then gracefully vaulted onto it. She held still for a moment, to sense her balance. She knew if she didn’t balance correctly right from the beginning, she’d never make it to the end.
    She began the routine. Concentrate. Concentrate. Involuntarily her eyes wandered to the floor. But for the first time ever, Wendy didn’t feel afraid!
    Maybe all her climbing as a werecat had cured her of her fear of heights. Wendy stopped worrying about how far down it was to the ground.
    Halfway there, she thought. It was time for the front flip. Wendy tensed up. This is where she had fallen off so many times.
    Wendy steadied herself, then went into the flip. She didn’t even teeter! She nailed it!
    Smiling broadly, she dismounted.
    As Wendy returned to her seat, Ms. Mason nodded at her approvingly. Tina thumped her back. “You were amazing!” Tina cheered.
    But Wendy knew it