Lights up. Curtain ready.

Breathe.

Check mic, hands steady?

Breathe.

“You’ll do great.” You’ll be fine.” “Break a leg!”

Breathe.

Shake, jump, split. Hear the orchestra swell, it’s time to

Breathe.

Breathe. In, out, in…

Silence. Applause. Mom’s clapping, Dad’s clapping, everyone is clapping ready to

OH SHIT. Breathe out.

Don’t forget what to do when you step on the stage,

Don’t forget who are, what you’ve done to get here.

Take three steps to the right, then piroutte left,

Pulse up, down, then sing.

Ready?

Better be.

 Step 1, Step 2. Step 3

Breathe.