He stood in the kitchen and said quietly, I grew up with money, but not with anyone who noticed whether I was good at anything. They noticed whether I was useful. Lena studied him. Helping her won’t fix whatever happened to you.
I know, he said. That is not why I am doing it. A year passed. Annie performed in a spring showcase.
She made a small mistake halfway through but kept going. The applause was louder than before. Afterward, Charles drove them home. In the car, Annie asked which counted more: the ballroom or the real stage.
The one you worked for, he said. Another year. An envelope arrived from the National Youth Arts Foundation. Annie had been selected for a national dance showcase.
She read the letter aloud at the kitchen table. Mama, they picked me. Lena felt her heart beat faster. Yes, they did.
Caroline said it meant more work, more pressure, more people watching. Annie said she could work. The night before they left, Charles came to the apartment with a small box. Inside was a silver necklace with a tiny music note charm.
It’s not expensive, he said. But I thought you might wear it when you travel. So you remember that no matter how big the stage gets, you started dancing before anyone was watching. Annie put it on.
Thank you. After she went to bed, Lena walked Charles to the door. You kept your promise, she said. He shook his head.
I’m still keeping it. The next morning, they left for the train. Annie wore the necklace over her coat. Her dance bag bumped against her hip.
She held Lena’s hand as they walked through the station. Mama. When I dance on the big stage, are you going to be scared? Yes, Lena said.
Are you still going to watch? Yes. Annie smiled. Okay.
Then I’m not scared either.