The Shoes Outside the Dance Hall
Chapter 1 - A borrowed pair
Clara arrived at the community dance hall wearing work shoes. The instructor offered a pair from the spare box. One strap was repaired with blue thread. Clara considered leaving, convinced everyone else would know what they were doing.
A man beside the door examined the same box with equal suspicion. He introduced himself as Ben and admitted he had joined because his sister's wedding was approaching.
Clara had joined because evenings after her divorce felt too long. She did not mention that until later. At first they discussed only shoes.
When the instructor asked beginners to pair up, they chose each other because neither had successfully disguised being a beginner.
