TWO WEEKS LATER.
The lights dimmed. Music started playing softly through the hall.
Zara stepped onto the stage, dressed in a black leotard, a matching tutu skirt, and long tights that hugged her legs.
A half-mask covered the upper part of her face, hiding the nerves in her eyes.
She took a deep breath, trying to steady her heart.
It was beating too fast. Her toes already ached inside her pointe shoes, but she held her chin up.
The spotlight hit her, and everything else faded away.
'This is it, Zara. You can do it.'
She took her first step.
Slow and careful.
Then another.
Her body moved with the music. Not perfect, but full of emotion. Her arms flowed, her feet glided, and her heart guided each step.
She stood on her toes, steadying herself even though her ankle shook a little.
Then she spun.
Once.
Twice.
On the third spin, she caught a glimpse of him.
Back of the hall. Standing still. A man in a dark hoodie and a half-mask.
She spun again.
Gone.
