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

Lou comes to greet him, though, tail wagging, fussing around Arkady. He whines a little, so Arkady leads the way to the kitchen to feed him. He’s tossing the empty can of wet food when the doorbell rings. Arkady’s heart leaps, but he goes to see who it is anyway. It’s probably just a package for his parents.


Arkady walks to the door, making sure that when Lou follows he doesn’t knock Arkady’s stick. It’s not a package, or for his parents. It’s Cade and Prisha, with bags of something.


“We brought snacks and movies,” Prisha says cheerfully.


“But you have work, and Cade, aren’t you supposed to be painting?” Arkady asks, stepping aside to let them in and holding on to Lou’s collar so that he doesn’t jump all over Cade and Prisha. He’s met them both before, but he can be over friendly.


“I decided my friend was more important.” Prisha shrugs as she shuts the door behind her.


“Painting can wait. My boyfriend having a shitty day and needing cheering up can’t.” Cade smiles.


Chapter 40