Arkady has dedicated his life to the world of ballet. He is known as the bad boy of the dance world, and is an ever rising star. Then he gets injured in what is at first thought to be a tragic accident but turns out to be so much worse. He's lost ballet, and his life feels unbalanced. A friendship with his no-nonsense physical therapist starts him on a new path. He has her friendship, a more honest relationship with his parents, his beloved dog Lou and, for the first time, maybe love in the form of an artist with a disability of his own. But the past isn't done with him yet.

Rise Again

“You wouldn’t be. I offered. Don’t be afraid, Arkady. I’m not like every other woman on the staff: I haven’t fallen in love with those big green eyes,” Prisha teases.


Arkady blushes. Some of the female nurses do seem to have taken a liking to him. It’s good for Arkady’s ego. These women know that he’s got a disabling injury, and they still find him attractive. But Arkady knows life will be different outside the hospital. The people around him won’t be used to permanent injuries, and so much of the queer community focuses on looks and health. He worries that he’ll be in the scrapheap at twenty-five.


“I have not won your heart? How sad. Well, let me text my father and tell him I have a ride. Thank you so much.” Arkady smiles softly. He likes Prisha. She’s been kind and patient with him. She even makes him laugh. She doesn’t tiptoe around him like his parents. She talks about his injury and his past.


Chapter 12