The Coxswain
The background of the story is set in a bustling university environment where students navigate academic pressures alongside personal relationships. The protagonist, a graduate student named Katy studying biochemistry at the University of Toronto, balances schoolwork with being part of the university's rowing team as a coxswain. Her life revolves around classes, research projects, and training sessions under Coach Tom's guidance. Despite being older than most teammates by several years due to taking time off after undergrad for personal reasons, she finds camaraderie with them despite not sharing similar interests or social circles outside of rowing. Her relationship with Coach Tom evolves from mentorship into deeper feelings as they bond over shared experiences and mutual respect.
