The Dawn Of All

Chapter 4.6

"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his."

Romans 6:4-5

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The dim light of dawn slipped through the narrow windows of the empty dance studio, casting soft shadows on the polished wooden floor. Ruix stood at the center, stretching his arms, feeling the coolness of the room sink into his muscles. The silence was comforting, a quiet that held a sense of peace he'd come to love over his years of dancing. This was his sanctuary, where he could lose himself in movement and forget, even if just for a while, about the weight he often carried in his heart.

Moments later, the door creaked open, and Jon stepped in, his gym bag slung over his shoulder. Jon was Ruix's closest friend and a fellow dancer who had been with him through countless practices, performances, and late-night rehearsals. He brought with him an air of energy and ease, and his mere presence had a way of lifting Ruix's spirits.

"Already warming up, huh? "Jon asked, setting his bag down and joining Ruix at the center.

Ruix smiled a small, grateful smile. "Couldn't sleep. Figured I'd get in here early."

Jon watched him with a knowing look, sensing that there was more on Ruix's mind. "You've been coming in early a lot lately. What's been going on? "

Ruix hesitated, looking away. "It's nothing. Just... thinking about some stuff."

Jon nodded, waiting. He knew Ruix well enough to understand that patience was the best approach. Eventually, Ruix would open up, and he was willing to wait. They started practicing their routine, moving in rhythm as they lost themselves in the intricate footwork, the twists and turns, and the synchronized spins. The studio filled with the soft sounds of their movements, a silent dance that spoke volumes.

Finally, after they had taken a break, Ruix sat down against the mirrored wall, his gaze distant.

"Jon," he said quietly, "have you ever thought about starting over? About leaving the past behind and finding a new life?"

Jon took a deep breath and sat down beside him, sensing the weight of Ruix's question. "Yeah, I think we all do at some point. What brought this up? "

Ruix looked down at his hands. "I just feel like I've been carrying this... darkness, you know? Like all the mistakes I've made and all the things I've done wrong, they're still here with me. No matter how much I dance or how hard I work, I can't seem to escape it."

Jon listened, his heart aching for his friend. Ruix had always been a complex person, talented and kind but haunted by past mistakes he rarely talked about. Jon reached out, placing a comforting hand on Ruix's shoulder.

"Ruix, we all have things we regret," he said gently. "But we don't have to carry them forever. Sometimes, letting go is a choice we have to make over and over."

Ruix nodded, but his expression remained troubled. "I don't know how Jon. It feels like I'm trapped."

Jon's eyes softened as he considered his words carefully. "I know this might sound strange, but have you ever thought about faith? About surrendering that weight to something greater than yourself?"

Ruix looked at him, a bit surprised. "Faith? You mean, like in God? "

Jon nodded. "Yeah. I'm not saying it's a quick fix or that it'll make everything easy. But I think there's something powerful in believing that we're not alone, that grace and forgiveness are waiting for us if we're willing to accept it."