I thought Derek’s kindness had given Audrey an opportunity she might otherwise have missed.
But sometime during the fourth week, things began to change.
***
It started with small differences.
Audrey stopped practicing in the kitchen.
Her ballet bag remained zipped after she returned home.
She spent more time upstairs.
When I asked about her lessons, she gave short answers.
“How was class?”
“Fine.”
“What did you learn?”
“Just stuff.”
I assumed she was tired.
Advanced ballet was physically demanding, and she was balancing lessons with schoolwork.
Then the studio emailed information about spring recital auditions.
I was excited.
Audrey had talked for years about performing on a proper stage.
At dinner, I asked what piece she planned to audition with.
Her fork stopped moving.
“I’m not auditioning.”
I looked at her.
“Why not?”
“Because I’m not ready.”
“Did your instructor say that?”
She shrugged.
“Can we not talk about ballet
