"Ballet Slippers" was well-written, as all Zadellin stories I've read so far have been, but this one quickly became a favorite because of the ways It spoke to me. Nardeth is a character I didn't expect to heavily relate to at first, but this story surprised me and added so much depth to their character. I really appreciate it for that.
I think that the way Nardeth's depression is depicted throughout the story is very true to life, and it spoke to me as someone who has also struggled with depression for most of my life. It makes every aspect of life hard, just as it does for the young Lightbringer, and it can influence everything a person does. I also think the depiction of their chronic pain is apt and important, as well as the mentions of their gender dysphoria. Ballet and learning about human history both served as methods of escapism for Nardeth, even though they both present difficulties for them, which is true to life for someone with their conditions as well.
I also liked the mystery around The Watch and the disappearance of Nardeth's only friend. Many aspects of those instances left me with questions, and I could see the intentionality behind that. Everything in this story felt intentional, as everything in a good story should. 4.5/5.