For the first time in weeks, Audrey pulled her dance shoes out of her bag.
She practiced every evening, sometimes getting frustrated enough to cry. Scott rearranged his schedule to drive her, and I took her to extra lessons whenever possible.
A week later, Audrey auditioned and earned a place in the spring recital.
Laura later called to explain that Mia hadn’t known what her father had done. She was horrified by his behavior and had always wanted Audrey to succeed.
By recital night, Audrey was dancing around our kitchen again. She still felt nervous before rehearsals, but she no longer hid her shoes.
Just before the performance, I found her waiting near the auditorium doors.
“Nervous?” I asked.
“A little.”
She adjusted the ribbon on her costume and gave me a small smile.
“Mom, watch this.”
I squeezed her hand.
“Always.”
Minutes later, Audrey stepped onto the stage beneath the bright lights. As the music was about to begin, she searched the front row until she found me.
