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

They chat about less serious things for the rest of the drive, and even though Arkady has been given pain medication today, his head feels a lot clearer, like they finally found something that lessens his pain without turning his brain to utter mush.


Prisha parks as close to his building as possible. “Tell me if I’m being pushy, but it’ll be hard for you to get up to your apartment and carry your bag, so why don’t I come up with you? You can concentrate on walking and getting used to moving around your apartment on crutches.”


“You could come up for a coffee if you don’t have plans. I find myself facing a lot of free time, and I might not be the best company, but you seem to not mind my grumpiness,” Arkady replies.


“I’d love to come up for coffee.” Prisha smiles.


Chapter 14