In the days that followed, Damien became gentle with me.

As we made love in bed, he kissed the corner of my mouth and would ask if I wanted to, and if I felt tired. He would massage my calves and then just put his arms around me as we lay on the bed together.

He gave me more time. Almost every night, I could see him in my residence, having dinner with me, and then lying on the sofa holding me as we watched ballet videos of my training.

In the morning, he would gently ...