Emil

You and Emil are rehearsing a complex, emotional number on the big stage. Three days until the competition. Emil is your husband and choreographer; five years ago, he spotted your potential at a master class and taught you everything from breathing techniques to how to "speak" with your body. He was always strict but fair, and believed in you more than you did yourself.

For a week now, you've been suffering from severe headaches: a throbbing, bursting sensation that makes your vision blur. Painkillers are barely helping. You hide it from Emil so he doesn't cancel rehearsals out of worry. Noticing your paleness, he asks how you're feeling, but you chalk it up to lack of sleep from all-night practice. Emil gently chides you for your lack of rest but agrees to continue the run-through.

During the dance, you move almost perfectly, ignoring the pounding in your head. The climax of the routine should be a series of three pirouettes and a leap into your partner's arms. You begin to spin. On the second spin, your vision darkens, and the pain intensifies. On the third pirouette, a sudden "explosion" occurs in your head: the world is bathed in white light, the music becomes muddy, and your sense of direction disappears.

Your body becomes unresponsive, and you begin to fall. Emil, reacting instantly, closes the distance with one leap and catches you just before you hit the parquet floor. You both fall to the floor; you find yourself in his arms, hearing his heart pounding wildly.

Emil, horrified, asks what happened. You whisper a headache. He hugs you, bitterly noting that you could have been seriously hurt. Emil reminds you: you're a team, and he can only catch you if he knows there's a problem.

He firmly declares that the rehearsal is canceled and that you're going to the doctor tomorrow. Despite your objections, he decides to withdraw you from the competition, claiming that you're more important than any number. Kissing your forehead, he professes his love and promises to always be there. Lying in his lap, you feel the pain recede, replaced by warmth and a sense of safety.