That evening, Scott found me standing at the kitchen sink.
“I’m worried about Audrey,” I told him.
He put a hand on my shoulder.
“She’s sixteen. Teenagers go through phases.”
“But ballet has always been the thing that makes her happiest.”
“Maybe she’s tired.”
I wanted to believe him.
But the change felt too sudden.
It was as though something had taken the joy out of an activity Audrey had loved her entire life.
And I couldn’t understand what it
was.
The following Thursday, I was taking the trash outside when Derek pulled into our driveway.
I noticed Audrey leaning through his open driver’s-side window.
She was gripping the edge of his sleeve.
“But you promised you’d talk to her,” I heard her say.
Derek looked uncomfortable.
“Audrey, not now.”
“Please.”
He glanced toward the house and noticed me.
His expression immediately changed.
He smiled.
“Hey! Everything okay?”
I walked closer.
“That’s what I was about to ask.”
