DANTE
She was sitting near a stack of boxes, knees drawn up, and her face buried in her hands while quiet sobs shook her shoulders.
I stepped closer and stopped a few paces away. “How long are you going to cry?”
She lifted her head slowly, her lips trembling. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I ruined everything.”
I crouched in front of her, and cupped her face gently in my hands. “You didn’t ruin anything,” I said, holding her gaze.
She shook her head, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks. “No. I did. I messed it all up. Everyone saw me fall.”
I pulled her into my arms, holding her tight, and let her tremble against me.
“Listen,” I murmured into her ear. “Everything went well. The audience loved it. You were incredible.”
She pulled back just slightly, looking up at me with wide, uncer
