Caden!
She landed flat-footed, the sound of the impact of her feet against the wood floor echoing across the empty studio. Estella held herself in her crouched position, taking in deep breaths before straightening and running a frustrated hand through her hair. She was not landing the last jump and twist properly and this had to be the tenth time she’d gone through the entire routine only to mess up the last step. Whether it be because she’d done it so many times or because of the fact that she was finding herself progressively more dizzy after each spin, she wasn’t sure. The Mid Winter Recital was only three weeks away, she had to figure this out! All of the teachers put on a showcase, and Estella’s led into the advanced group’s dance. If she fell flat, then the girls would start off on the wrong foot---literally.

The door of the studio creaked open and she waved a hand as she made her way to the opposite end of the floor, assuming it was Tony, who was always very quick to give her tips and correct her posture. “Watch this and tell me what I’m doing wrong.”

Concentrating, Estella took a few steps back and repeated the dreaded formation, once again landing flat-footed.

“Damn it,” she exclaimed, throwing her hands up. She put her hand against the barre and took a deep breath, letting the room stop spinning before she looked up. “What on earth---Caden!”

Estella flushed a dark red at the sight of her husband. He of course had been to her performances, but that was different. Performances were perfectly executed with pretty costumes, lighting, and makeup, not in tights with no music and lots of sweat. She pushed her hair down, “What are you doing here? I mean---hi!”