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She sed again ‘My blood tests were clear? I’m in perfect health?’

‘Ruby, you’re pregnant I can see that this is quite a shock and I’m here to help and advise’

She lifted her bag onto her shoulder, looked inside it—her purse, her phone, her keys One, two, three—all there Everything was there Tio She checked her watch Eleven-thirty An eain

One step at a time

‘Thanks I’ll let you know if I need anything What a beautiful day,’ she said staring past the doctor’s head to the trees and the sky outside

She retraced her steps along the corridor, past the nurses’ station, where their chatter was bright and chirpy, past the television and the blue water cooler, past the auto

She could go back to rehearsals now That was aest relief

You’re going to have a baby

She should call someone to tell them the news That she was able to dance She should call so else Her mind whirred Her heart pirouetted in her chest They were about to start rehearsals for the winter season She had a good chance of getting a principal role

December

Her heart sank What size would she be? There was no chance of her being cast in any role, in any performance There wouldn’t be any point until after the baby was born

And as she going to do until then? More coaching and ? And then—childcare? She could never afford that Not on her salary, in London, alone