Near the center was June.
Her power wheelchair had a small ribbon tied to one side, exactly where she wanted it.
Dani stood beside her.
Theo leaned forward so far that James gently reminded him to stay in his seat.
The music began.
The students moved together.
June raised her arms on the first musical cue.
Then she guided her wheelchair into the opening in the formation.
The others stepped around her, following the pattern they’d practiced.
During the second verse, Dani turned.
June turned too.
Their timing wasn’t identical.
It didn’t need to be.
They were moving to the same music.
When the final section arrived, the students formed a broad semicircle.
June moved into the center opening.
Then everyone raised their arms together.
The audience applauded.
Theo jumped to his feet.
“That’s my sister!”
Marissa laughed and pulled him gently back toward his chair.
Elena watched June smiling beneath the stage lights.
No one had asked her to stand.
No one had placed her at the side with a music controller.
She’d helped shape the routine.
She’d practiced with her classmates.
And she’d performed.
When the music ended, June looked toward the front row.
She spotted Theo.
Then Elena.
