Chapter 2

When I got home, the ballet shoes I'd bought yesterday were still sitting by the front door.

In my previous life, I'd hidden them at the very back of my closet, only to discover them years later when I moved. The tips were thick with dust, just like the dream I'd put on hold.

This time, I carefully took them out and gently wiped them with a soft cloth.

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a gentle glow on the white satin, as if it were softly telling the story of wishes yet to be fulfilled.

"Sheila, you're home?" The door opened and James's mother, Martha, walked in, with a bag of fruit in her hand. "Don't stress too much about what the doctor said about James.

"As long as they find the right kidney donor, the surgery has a pretty high success rate."

I put down the ballet shoes and calmly looked at her. "I know, Martha."

Martha let out a sigh and settled onto the couch. "Sheila, you and James have been married for so many years, and your relationship has always been strong.

"Now that this has happened to him, you'll have to bear a bit more. You see..."

I knew exactly what she was getting at. In my previous life, it was Martha's gentle persistence, along with James's desperate begging, that finally made me agree to get tested for a match.

But this time, I didn't hesitate at all. "Martha, I'm not going to get tested for a match."

Martha froze, clearly caught off guard by my answer. "Sheila, what did you say? James is your husband. How can you stand by and let something happen to him?"

"Precisely because he's my husband, I need to think about myself," I said, turning to face Martha, my eyes unwavering. "Martha, I want to live for myself for once.

"I'm going to reclaim my dream of dancing and finally pursue my own life. As for James's kidney, you can try other ways. Wait for a transplant donor, or check if any other relatives are a match."

Martha wanted to say more, but I cut her off. "Martha, I'm sorry, but I can't do what you want this time. I've already decided. I'm enrolling in a dance class and starting fresh."

Seeing the determination in my eyes, Martha knew I meant it. She opened her mouth, but couldn't say anything back. With a resigned sigh, she grabbed the fruit and left.

After Martha left, I picked up my ballet shoes again and walked over to the mirror.

Staring at my reflection, which felt a little unfamiliar, I took a deep breath, rose onto my toes, and did a simple ballet pose.

It had been years since I'd danced, so my movements were a bit rusty. But as soon as my toes touched the floor, it felt like I was reconnecting with the passionate, lively dancer I used to be.

This time around, no one and nothing would ever get in the way of my dream.

James's illness and Violet's presence would no longer be the centerpiece of my life anymore.

*****

Early the next morning, I headed straight to the city's most famous dance studio.

The instructor at the front desk looked a bit surprised when she saw me. "Ma'am, our classes are mostly for teenagers and young adults. Are you sure you want to sign up?"

I smiled and nodded. "Absolutely. I've loved dancing since I was a kid, but life got in the way and I had to give it up. Now I want to start again."

Seeing how sincere I was, the instructor explained the different classes. "We have beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

"Since you haven't danced in years, I'd recommend starting with the beginner class to get your footing back before moving up."

I took her advice and signed up for the beginner class. My very first lesson was that afternoon.

Walking into the dance studio and seeing a room full of young faces, I couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.

But as soon as the music kicked in, all that anxiety vanished.

Stretching my legs, arching my back, doing splits—moves that used to feel so easy now felt like a real struggle.

Every move made my whole body ache, sweat soaking my clothes and dripping down my face.

I knew this was the hard work I had to put in if I wanted to chase my dream again.

When class ended, the instructor walked over with a smile. "You're really talented and you work hard. I'm sure it won't be long before you catch up with everyone else."

Her encouragement warmed my heart.

On my way home, I treated myself to my favorite dessert as a reward for all my hard work.

As I passed by the hospital, I couldn't help glancing toward the inpatient ward. Memories flashed through my mind. Back in my previous life, this was the time I was tirelessly taking care of James in the hospital.

But now, I was fighting for my own dream, and honestly, it felt amazing.