A man with a purple and teal mohawk and wearing a peacock costume—complete with a huge fan of feathers—approached. “Nice finish, ladies,” he said. All four of them answered with a chorus of thank-yous. “I love your costume,” Everly said. Nora nodded. “It’s fierce.” “Thank you.” He puffed out his chest, then turned to Hazel. “I just had to tell you, I really wanted to quit around mile ten. But I heard you asking everyone what they’re running for, and I remembered why I decided to do this. It gave me what I needed to finish.” Hazel smiled. “I’m glad my spontaneous words of encouragement were
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