Pirouette by Robyn Bavati

eyes.
    Silvery moonlight seeped through the skimpy curtains and the looming shadows became more distinct as Simone’s night vision slowly returned. What had she been dreaming? For a second, she couldn’t remember. Then she glanced over at Hannah and it all came back—it was a variation of a dream she’d already had three times that night, and each time she’d woken up deeply disturbed.
    Once again she glanced at Hannah, who was fast asleep and breathing deeply. Simone wondered if she too was having bad dreams, but Hannah looked peaceful.
    Simone closed her eyes. Despite the unsettling thoughts in her mind, tiredness overwhelmed her, and at last she slept.

eleven
    Hannah looked around the busy Caff. Some of the dancers were sitting at tables, taking their time over breakfast. Others grabbed a piece of toast or fruit and ate on the run, while there were those who downed a glass of juice and left carrying a container of yogurt or a hardboiled egg still in its shell.
    What would Simone like for breakfast? Hannah had left her fast asleep, even though she was dying to wake her. It had been so amazing waking up in the same room as her very own sister.
    Simone had said that breakfast at Candance was the best meal of the day, and judging by the generous buffet, Hannah guessed that must be true. There were different kinds of cereal, bowls of fruit, two sorts of toast, hard- or soft-boiled eggs, hot porridge, baked beans, containers of flavored yogurt, and miniature packets of butter, Vegemite, and assorted jam.
    Hannah wrapped two slices of toast in a napkin and popped some butter and Vegemite into her bag, along with two hard-boiled eggs, an apple, a pear, and a container of yogurt. She picked up two teaspoons and two knives, glanced quickly around to make sure no one was watching, and then slid them into the bag as well. It was probably against the rules, but she had every intention of returning them when Candance ended.
    Sam and Liam were sitting at a table by the window, engrossed in conversation. Luckily they hadn’t seen her yet, and she was careful not to catch their eye as she slipped outside.
    Simone was still asleep when Hannah returned, and Hannah tiptoed quietly across the room. As she silently unpacked their breakfast onto the desk, a knife fell clattering onto the floor. Simone woke with a start.
    â€œShhh … sorry. Go back to sleep.”
    Simone sat up, rubbing her eyes. “It’s okay. I’m awake.” She looked a little disoriented and her voice was croaky as she said, “What’s that?”
    â€œI brought us some breakfast.”
    â€œI don’t think I’m entitled to any, and you’re supposed to eat in the Caff.”
    â€œHang on a minute,” said Hannah. “Why aren’t you entitled to any?”
    â€œWe’re getting a refund, remember?” said Simone. “The cost of full-board catering is being returned. So if I eat here, I’m stealing from Candance.”
    â€œWrong,” said Hannah. “Full board means three meals a day, remember? And since I’ll be eating dinner out, with you … two breakfasts plus one lunch equals three meals total, right?”
    â€œRight,” said Simone.
    â€œWell, there you go.”
    Simone got up, brushed her teeth, and slowly buttered a piece of toast. “Actually, it’s probably a good thing you brought me food, because my mum didn’t give me much spending money.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œShe paid for full board, remember? So why would I need it?”
    â€œWell, take my bankcard,” said Hannah. “Here’s my PIN.” She scribbled a four-digit number on a scrap of paper and handed the card and the number to Simone. “There’s enough in there for food even before the refund gets deposited.”
    â€œI can’t take your money,” said Simone.
    â€œYes you can,” Hannah said, through a mouthful of egg on toast. “And