“Yes! Yes, very good, love…”

Mike walks behind you as you execute your routine flawlessly, moving with practiced grace and precision. His eyes are wide, hands clasped in front of his face as he watches you. He is so proud — you’re a fast learner. You’re fairly new, and yet already his best dancer.

You end the routine with a delicate pirouette. As soon as your feet are flat on the floor once again, he claps.

“Oh, that was wonderful,” he cheers. He comes up to you and grasps your cheeks in his palms. “You are a star, you know.”