Letting Go

"K, we have a big problem." - Athlete
"What's up?" - Me
"I've had this ankle brace for six years, and it's finally ripped--" - Athlete
"Six years?!" - Me
"Yeah, why?" - Athlete
"They're supposed to be replaced every year." - Me
"But that's the problem: I can't get new ones! It's states!" - Athlete, hugging ankle brace to her chest
"Let me see." - Me
*Athlete hands me ankle brace clearly molded into the shape of ankle valgus*
"Let me guess: this is for your right ankle?" - Me
"How did you know that?!" - Athlete
"Lucky guess." - Me
"But see? It's ripped here!" - Athlete, pointing to where edging has come off of the fabric part
"Yep." - Me
"Can we salvage it?" - Athlete
"Well, if you haven't sprained your ankle wearing that this far, it's probably not going to kill you to keep using it. Although I strongly recommend you get new ones after the season." - Me
"Oh thank God! K, you rock!" - Athlete