I thought it was his way of caring about me.
So, on the night of the gala, I didn’t perform.
Instead, I stayed in the empty dance studio, performing for him over and over again.
When my routine finally ended, a thunderous wave of cheers erupted from the auditorium in the distance.
Alec heard it and suddenly smiled.
He was always so gentle and reserved around me, his smiles faint and almost hazy, as though separated by a veil.
It was the first time I saw him show such obvious emotion.
I stopped dancing, naively asking, “Are you happy?”
He hesitated for a moment. “Yes, I’m happy.”
At the time, I thought his happiness came from watching me dance just for him.
It wasn’t until much later that I learned the truth.
He was happy because Linda’s performance was a resounding success.
The only light in his life had found her bright, dazzling future.
…
I submitted the dance routine I had prepared long ago.
But this time, it wasn’t a solo performance.
I pulled in every girl in my class who was interested in performing, and together, we choreographed a group classical dance.
I hired a professional instructor, splurged on the most expensive costumes, and had the finest props custom-made.
By comparison, Linda’s simple piano solo in a plain white dress seemed far too underwhelming.
I wasn’t sure what sob story she told Shawn, but that evening, when I returned home after school, he stopped me in the garden.
“Sierra Wood.”
He looked at me with a cold, expressionless face.
“For the school anniversary performance, I want you to drop out from your act.”
