GENESIS

“Damn, they’re so good,” Calista mumbled, resting her head on the barre.

Yes, barre. That was a new word I’d learned today, and I was proud of it—even if I can’t say it out loud.

We stood there, watching the ballerinas move gracefully across the studio floor until the instructor finally called for a break.

Some of the girls plopped onto the floor, chugging water like they’d just crossed a desert. Another new word I learnt.

Others kept practicing, pointing their toes and stretching their legs like perfection was one pirouette away.

I was watching one girl in particular, completely mesmerized, when Stacy suddenly grabbed my hand.

“Don’t look,...