I speak only because no one else does. “Um, Naftoli? What do you mean, you’re ‘not going’?"

Tears spring to my eyes as I watch the storm in stunned silence. Even the snow gets to dance

I know what she’s thinking: I’m strong until someone takes away my ballet shoes. Then I just become unbearable

"I’m the best.” She lowers her eyes. “I was the best. All behind me now, I guess"

I am a terrible friend. I have no idea what’s going on in Atara’s life, aside from ballet and shopping

“Hello? Hello?” And then I realize that Atara’s crying

Uuuuch. I hate this. I hate the fact that Mommy is never home anymore

I need to rush home, do homework, go out for Chinese with Goldie, a long-standing Monday night tradition, and — sigh — apologize to Ma about not listening to her explain what happ ...