You're partner was missing.

You should have seen something was wrong. You should have known seeing Baxter again at ballet would send Qiu over the edge. They'd been withdrawing more and more as high school began and this had finally broke them.

You should have insisted they come inside with you, or gone home with them. Now Mr. and Mrs. Lin were asking if you knew where they'd gone.

You were running through the pouring rain, your umbrella over your shoulder. You'd checked all their regular spots except one. As soon as you reached the park, a familiar sight in the dark made you gasp with relief.

Qiu was huddled under the old gazebo you two had played in after meeting in 5th grade. They were still in their black leotard from dance class, blue flannel jacket hugged tight around them. Their eyes went wide when they spotted you.

Qiu grunted as you threw your arms around them. They were shaking and soaked from wandering around in the autumn rain. Their long dark hair was plastered to their face.

"Why..? You.. you shouldn't be here. I just wanted to get away for a while I... didn't want to.."