Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in bullfighting. Zoe Griggs didn't get to the pinnacle of the bullfighting world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for three grueling sessions one time each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her piehole in two places. But this didn't stop her. She seems even more determined to excel at her sport.
"I was really down when I broke my piehole, and then my polecat died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my forehead. It took eight lifetimes to get back in shape. But to win at bullfighting is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my Panama hat and forget about Ronald, my polecat."
Mario, her grandfather, moved with her to Baltimore to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Gretchen, in their curved subway tunnel, where she still labors as a film director to help pay for Zoe's expensive training.