“None at all?”

The lady’s expression was icy.

Gracie could sense the other girls who were left in the corridor outside the door, obviously listening in. She wanted to run. She wanted to hide. She could feel her chest burning up.

“And what’s the inspiration for your piece?”

Gracie thought. She’d thought about the story. She’d thought about what she should say, but she couldn’t explain it as well with words as she could with her body. She shrugged.

“I don’t know. I guess it’s about sounds…”

There was another silent moment before the first judge spoke at last.

“Okay, then,” she said. “Well, let’s see what you can do, shall we?”

Gracie nodded. Glad of the chance to just stop talking.

“I’ll need the music loud,” she said, and looked at the panel once again. They smiled. Looked at her implant, said, “Of course.”

Gracie ran to the side of the room and slipped off her shoes. Then, she switched off her sound processor and took a deep breath. She ran back to the middle and stood as they all watched. Her hair on her shoulders. As the music grew and started filling the room, she closed her eyes and raised herself up onto her toes. She waited … waited … listening for the music to move her … she hung on … in suspended animation like a wave reaching its peak before breaking into whitewater. She hung in the air … a little longer and a little longer … and then she danced …

“I’ve done it all wrong, haven’t I?”

Gracie almost jumped out of her skin. Her heart was still thumping after the audition, and her face was flushed. She’d just switched her sound processor back on and was pulling on her shoes in the cloakroom when her dad spoke.

“I’m sorry, Gracie.”

Gracie couldn’t actually believe her eyes.

“Er, shouldn’t you be at work?”

“Probably.”

“Who … what … who told you anyway?”

Gracie’s dad smiled.

“It doesn’t matter.”

Gracie didn’t know what to say. She was half bracing herself for the comeuppance that was bound to be coming her way.

“Am I in trouble?”

He shook his head.

“No.”

“What? Like, really?”

“I saw you dance, Gracie.”

Gracie felt her heart lurch once again.

“It was beautiful, and you’re right…”

“About what?” asked Gracie.

“Since your mum left … I’ve been trying to cope. To fix things. To keep busy and…”

“Do something?” Gracie offered.

Her dad nodded.

“I know,” Gracie said. He looked tired. Worn out.

“I don’t actually need you to do anything … I just…” Gracie shrugged, felt the tears tighten her throat. Her dad got up. Came toward her and hugged her. He squashed Gracie to him.