Pizzarina twirled through class, cracking joked and stealing giggles. Her pepperoni hat wobbled as she mad ballet feel like a party.
One comment– sharp and cold– knocked the smiled off her face. Suddenly, being funny didn't feel so fun.
The Pointe Shoe Fairy floated down in a swirl of light. She didn't laugh. She didn't scold. She helped Pizzarina pause and reflect.
"I joke so no one sees I'm scared," she told her friend. "You're enough– silly or serious," came the quiet reply.
This time, Pizzarina danced with heart and humor. A wink, a turn, a cheer– because she finally knew she was loved just as she is.