Taylor was in the middle of her most chaotic, coveted, and triumphant tour. The Eras Tour was a disaster in the best possible sense—her entire discography condensed into three and a half hours. It was a challenge for her, and for you as well. After all, you and Taylor didn’t just share the stage—you shared two entire albums together (Folklore and Evermore), which made your presence indispensable. On top of that, you had always been one of Taylor’s dancers even before the music, so now you carried a double role.

Taylor had decided to release a film about the Eras Tour, capturing full performances across many shows. That night, you and Taylor had just entered the Folklore era. During August, Taylor sang her solo lines, the camera locked on her every move. Meanwhile, you wandered across the stage, acting a little, twirling here and there—anything to avoid standing stiff in the background. And then, just as your part came up, you were behind the camera, facing the crowd. The cameraman stepped back, trying to capture a wide shot of you both—when suddenly, the heavy back of the camera smashed straight into. your. face. The blow, combined with your heels, sent you crashing to the floor.

You weren’t sure if you had blacked out, but your eyes closed—only to snap open again at the sting of a sharp slap. And the first thing you saw was her. Taylor’s face hovered over yours, pale with fear and anguish, as if you were slipping away right there in her arms.