Especially dancing.
Before the collision, she and James had gone dancing every Thursday evening at a small community studio.
They weren’t particularly skilled.
James regularly stepped on her toes.
Elena frequently forgot which way they were supposed to turn.
But the studio had become their favorite place.
The instructor, an elderly man named Paul, used to shake his head whenever they started laughing halfway through a routine.
“You two are never going to win a competition,” he told them.
James would grin.
“Good. We’d hate the pressure.”
After the accident, the Thursday evenings stopped.
Elena couldn’t bear to drive past the studio for months.
When James suggested they try a wheelchair dance class, she told him she wasn’t ready.
He didn’t ask again until she brought it up herself.
Six months before the wedding, she began experimenting with seated movement during rehabilitation.
Dr. Claire Rowan, who had guided much of Elena’s recovery, helped her distinguish between activities that were manageable, those that required support, and those that weren’t appropriate for her current abilities.
Elena could transfer independently under familiar conditions.
She could stand briefly with suitable support on better days.
But she still relied on her wheelchair for everyday mobility.
The goal wasn’t to abandon it.
The goal was to help her move as safely and comfortably as possible.
For the wedding, Elena initially hoped to stand with James for a short, carefully planned portion of their first dance.
They practiced with Claire’s guidance.
James learned where to position himself.
Elena practiced the movements slowly.
And for several rehearsals, everything went well.
Then, three weeks before the ceremony, her left knee suddenly gave way.
Claire and James caught her before she fell.
There was no new injury.
But Elena began shaking.
