Things My Dance Teacher Told Me When I Messed Up

I took a makeup class with the older kids yesterday
because I'd been busy during my normal class,
and of course I messed up a bit,
because the class was a little past my level.

You're lucky to even be here.
You are like the company of a dance.
You don't want to mess up, don't want to stand out.
Your goal is to blend in.
Your goal is to go unheard, unnoticed.
Understood?

I wanted to tell her,
​Do not tell me to be silent.
Instead,

"Yes," I told her. I understand.
I was lying.
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elise.writer

VT

15 years old

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