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Chapter One
Evelyn
When I was six, I had a dream of becoming a professional dancer. I loved the energy and drive dance would bring; it never mattered that I was in the confines of my own home, I was at my utmost happiest while doing so.
As my eagerness grew, my continuous pestering did also—to a point where my parents enrolled me in one of the most sought-after studios in Beverly Hills.
Throughout my entire career, I worked extremely hard. I put in long excruciating hours and kept up with my school grades, all to become the best.
But being the best wasn’t enough.
There’s never a certainty your dreams will come true.
I always thrived off the pain and sweat, the aching muscles and discipline. It was how I knew I was dancing at my finest.
I picture myself on center stage, performing in front of an auditorium full of people. My body effortlessly moves in tune with the music as I express its deep sorrowful meaning. Collaborating with my fellow contemporary dancers, using each other as extensions of ourselves.
“Evelyn? Evelyn, you need to try and move, honey. You won’t get any better sitting around in here all day.” She points at the wheelchair I’m in.
“Sorry, Mrs. M, I was lost in thought. What is it you wanted me to do?”
I’ve had Mrs. McGuire working with my rehabilitation program since I arrived at the First Order Rehabilitation Treatment Center or FORT Center for short. She’s one of three that aid me in getting the best care this facility offers. Once again, thanks to my parents.
“You were thinking about dancing again, weren’t you? Eve, you know how that prolongs your progress. If your head’s not in the game, how are we supposed to help you walk again?”
I look to the one lady who’s been more of a mother figure than my own over the past two months. “And please, call me Hazel. How many times do I need to remind you?”
“Sorry. In my defense, I was raised by high-society parents, so naturally, it’s ingrained into me. I will continue to call you Mrs. M for as long as I’m here. Now, where were we? I’d like to continue our session if that is alright?”
If she could only understand and view me from within. She’d see the confused, broken shell of a woman who lost it all; a dancing career, her lifestyle, and most of all, her identity. Without contemporary dance, I don’t know who I am anymore.
“Okay, Evelyn, that is enough for today, honey. Your head’s not in it, and I for one, am finding it difficult to get any movement from you this afternoon. How about I wheel you back to your room and we will try again tomorrow?”
I’m willing to admit defeat at the cause of my own failure, as the strong woman I’ve lost sight of takes one more hit.
As I’m wheeled around the rehab center toward the accommodation wing, I’m greeted by rehabilitators and their patients. Although I’m not in much of a mood to interact, let alone engage in small talk, I can never seem to shake the polite etiquette drilled into me.
As I approach Josey, I notice she has her appointed K-9 helper with her.
“Hey, Josey. How was your session today?” She’s had it hard in here. Harder than most. She not only lost full use of her legs, but she lost her whole family in an accident more tragic than mine. She’s become a good friend and one of the reasons I try to push through my bad days.
“Hey, Eve. It was brutal, but we managed.Hey, Taggey boy.” She coos Tag, her golden retriever. “Without this guy, I don’t know how I’d cope, you know? These animals are something special that’s for sure. Listen, I need to take Tag outside, but can we catch up later? Maybe head out into the gardens?”
“Yeah, sure, why not. Might get me out of my funk.”
“Okay, cool. I’ll stop in once I’ve taken Tag home.”
I watch her continue her path, then look at Mrs. M, who is looking at me with sympathy in her eyes. “That girl has had it tough. And I’m glad she’s found a friend in here, Eve.”
You’re not the only one, I think to myself.
Chapter Two
Evelyn
Mrs. M left me to retire to my room, but not before giving me a slight lecture about where my focus lies and how tomorrowwillbe different, or she’ll get Mr. Fort involved. I’ve never met the man, so how am I supposed to feel threatened by him? Aside from being the CEO and owner of the FORT Center that is.
Ever since I arrived, I’ve been made to feel welcome, and I sense this place is run quite differently than others. The atmosphere isn’t as strict as what I'm used to. Everything about this place is much more comforting, like a well-knit family.
