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

“I’m sorry I’m such a mess, but thank you for coming to have coffee with me. You didn’t have to do this. I know Prisha probably nudged you into it, but she wouldn’t force anyone to do anything, so thanks for taking time to try and help out a stranger.” Arkady does appreciate it. He feels like Jason, Prisha, and his parents are the only people who have time for him, and no one wants to talk about the hard topics other than his therapist. It’s nice just to chat with someone who’s maybe gone through some of the same things.


“I needed to get out my studio. I’ve been working a lot, so when Prisha suggested this, I thought it’d be nice. You don’t need to thank me for doing something I wanted to do. And I mean, really, it’s no hardship to go for coffee with a cute guy.” Cade winks, over the top and jokey, and it makes Arkady laugh. It sneaks out of him and warms his chest


Chapter 19