Opening night

Nervous first-entrance energy moves around the stage. The audience is so vivid; you can see every shape, every face. The glare of the spotlight is bright on you; it's time for your monologue. Head racing, heart thumping. For a moment, time seems to freeze. You freeze. Then slowly you begin to speak. Then the thrill, the thrill of being finished! The flowers from your family, the congratulations in the dressing room. You can't wait for tomorrow's performance.

Sophia, 6th grade