Gemotions

She slammed the door of the dance studio behind her, the force of the action rattling the already fragile building. The rejection from the ballet troupe still stung, an open wound. Hours of practice, the blisters on her feet, the aching muscles – all for naught. She ripped off her pointe shoes, tossing them into the corner with a violent flourish.

The music, which usually invigorated her, now grated on her nerves. She sank onto the floor, pulling her knees to her chest. Her reflection in the mirrored wall showed a girl she barely recognized, a shell of her former self. The usually vibrant energy had completely vanished.