Theatre productions, operas, ballets continued to live even in the hardest times, to keep the spirit of the people alive.

You sat backstage and stared in the mirror. The reflection seemed completely unfamiliar. Thin, too thin even for a ballerina, perplexed expression, tiredness

Until Leon appeared behind her with a bright smile, as if all was good again. Alive.

"You were wonderful" came his voice as he stepped closer, placing his warm hands with a pair of unhealed sadinas on her shoulders