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“That’s your impact right there,” Andre said as we sat back down. “You and Liam encouraged him to be himself.”

“We just listened to him. Gave him space to figure things out.”

“Sometimes that’s all people need.” Andre’s voice was soft, understanding.

The next piece was a group number featuring dancers from a local studio. Their energy was infectious, and my foot tapped to the beat. During the next reset, Dixon excused himself.

Andre looked confused but I knew what was happening.

Dixon stepped out on stage. “Good evening. I’m Dixon Cliff and it’s my privilege to introduce the evening’s final performance. First, I have to say how wonderful it’s been being here in Maplewood the past few days, coaching at Ethan’s camp and celebrating Pride with you all.”

The audience applauded.

“The piece you’re about to see holds a very special place in my heart. Earlier this year, I attended a performance of Ballet Strong when its tour stopped in New York. That night I reconnected with Oscar after years apart. This piece, entitled Time, was a stunning part of that performance. Tonight is the first time that Oscar and his dance partner Nathaniel Mayer have performed it since the tour ended. I can’t imagine a more perfect place for it than as part of these festivities. They are accompanied tonight by Maplewood’s own Dmitri Fairchild on violin.”

As Dixon left the stage, the theater went completely dark. When the lights came up again, they revealed Oscar on the left side of the stage and Nate on the right, both dressed in simple gray pants and white T-shirts. Dmitri stood on a small platform at the back of the stage, illuminated in a soft pool of light, violin at the ready.

The first notes Dmitri played filled the space—haunting, beautiful, full of longing. Oscar and Nate began to move, each in their own space, their movements suggesting searching, yearning. As the music built, they drew closer together, their paths crossing but not quite connecting.

Andre’s grip tightened as the dancers came together in a breathtaking series of lifts and turns. Their strength and grace told a story of two people finding each other and falling in love. Our journey mirrored theirs in some ways—from our misunderstandings to where we were now.

Sitting here holding hands, watching the performance, our story was just beginning.

The violin’s melody became more complex as Oscar and Nate moved through what was clearly the evolution of a relationship. Their movements spoke of trust, intimacy, and deep connection. There were moments of playfulness, tender touches, passionate embraces. Each gesture was powerful yet vulnerable.

I glanced at Andre. He was completely absorbed in the performance, his eyes glistening. When he noticed me looking, he met my gaze with a soft smile that made my heart skip.

We turned back to the stage just as the music shifted to a slower, more contemplative tone.

The dance continued, showing the depth of a love that grew over a life. Oscar and Nate moved as if they were one person, their synchronicity breathtaking. The violin sang out a melody that seemed to capture every emotion—joy, fear, desire, commitment.

As the piece drew to a close, the music became soft and delicate. The dancers’ movements slowed until Oscar kneeled beside Nate, who lay still on the stage. The last notes of the violin faded away along with the lights, leaving the theater in darkness.

For a moment, there was silence.

Then the audience erupted in thunderous applause. Everyone around me rose to their feet in appreciation. As the stage lights came up, tears glistened in many eyes, including my own.

Oscar and Nate took their bows, then brought Dmitri forward to share in the adulation. The three of them invited the other performers on stage and everyone took a final bow before the house lights came up.

As people began gathering their things, I turned to Andre. “I’ve only seen part of that in a clip that Dixon shared. Watching it live and being so close to it was incredible.”

He wiped at his eyes. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like it.”

Around us, our friends discussed the performance with enthusiasm, and several tissues were passed out from a packet that someone had produced.

“Do you want to come backstage with me?” I asked Andre. “I’d love to say hello to Daniel and congratulate Oscar and Nate.”

“Of course.”

We excused ourselves and navigated through the crowds leaving so we could get to the stage.

Backstage was buzzing. We found Daniel and James first, still in their navy suits, talking with a group of performers and audience members.

“I’m sorry to interrupt.” I came up next to Daniel, and he gave me a big smile.

“Coach Gallagher! I’m so glad you’re here. This is my boyfriend, James.”

“James, it’s good to meet you. You two were incredible.” I pulled Daniel into a hug. “I’m so proud of you.”