Burgeon (verb): to begin to grow rapidly; to flourish

Slowly, she ascended into the shadowed heights. Her hands were calm and steady; reach, pull, grab, then lift. The poetic lyrics danced in the air like a lingering perfume, and suddenly, the music held its breath.

Balancing elegantly at the top of the aerial silks, the girl graced the crowd with a glowing smile.

Then, as she had always done, she fell into a double star drop.

There was no doubt that time froze for that moment. Awed and cheering, countless audience members were at the tip of their toes with anticipation for her final move. The powerful, drumming beats of her favorite song had just built up to a stunning climax.

She knew she was ready.

Hours of strenuous work, up and down and weaving and twisting through the twin silks of pinkish-rose that were as familiar as extensions of her own arm. Up on stage, unfurling like a blooming rose, she was the pinnacle of natural talent. Everyone told her so and she understood that herself.

Yet, she knew she failed.

The young performer’s confident grip slipped. Faltered. Lost. What was supposed to be an incredible, staggering finale ended with a broken heap of her body on the ground.

Like a firework, she grew and blossomed with a breathtaking burst. Unfortunately, that passionate light went out, equally fast.