I started over.
Emma put together a small tour for me. Eastbrook to Northgate, then Glenhaven, then Fairview.
The houses weren't big, a few hundred seats, but every single night sold out.
I was the lead, and nobody was arguing about it. My name was on the poster. And when I came out for my bow, the light hit my face and I could feel it.
I wore my mother's dance costume. The tear in the skirt was still there—invisible from a distance, only I knew exactly where that mark was.
The final stop of the tour was the Glenhaven State Opera. When it ended, I stood at the center of the stage and bowed with the supporting dancers.
There was applause and flowers from the audience, and Emma smiled and nodded at me.
I looked at the familiar figures in the third row and ignored them outright.
Caleb
