After crashing during the free-dance warm-up, Katarina is examined backstage by a medic while Sheila watches. Katarina answers orientation questions correctly and insists she feels only a dull headache, no nausea, and no blurred vision. The medic says she may have a mild concussion and should go to a medical facility for scans, but Katarina immediately argues that she can be examined after the competition.

Katarina stands despite some dizziness and focuses on the fact that only four minutes of skating stand between her and the result she wants. Garrett, shaken by what he saw, asks whether she is truly all right. When Katarina admits the medic suspects a concussion, Garrett becomes more alarmed. Bella then tells Katarina she should not skate, and Katarina interprets the comment as self-serving, suspecting Bella may have wanted her out of the competition. Sheila cuts off the confrontation, aware that officials, reporters, and cameras are nearby.

As Katarina tries to head toward the rink, Heath physically stops her and demands to know what she is doing. He argues that because Katarina and Garrett have already won three national titles, they could withdraw and still try to make the Olympic team through an appeal. Bella supports that point, and Garrett asks Sheila whether they would still likely be named to the team. Sheila gives no guarantee, saying it could go either way, which leaves the risk unresolved.

Katarina weighs the uncertainty against everything she has sacrificed to reach this moment and decides she will not stop now. Certain that she can still win nationals and go on to become Olympic champion with Garrett, she says she can do it. Sheila accepts her decision. Heath, increasingly desperate, grabs Katarina’s shoulders and privately begs her not to skate because she is hurt, but Katarina rejects both his touch and his concern, convincing herself his plea is manipulation. She walks to the ice with Garrett, determined to win without Heath.