The morning at school felt… different.
Sarah couldn't tell if it was because of last night's conversation with John or because she'd actually slept without a war in her head. Either way, she walked through the hallway with a faint, unfamiliar lightness until she turned the corner.
A crowd had gathered near the notice board. Whispers, giggles, phones out.
"What's going on?" Sarah asked a passing girl.
The girl smirked. "You'll see."
Sarah squeezed through the students and froze.
On the board was a printed poster for the school's Annual Talent Showcase.
Her name. Her face.
And right under it:
SARAH Williams – VOCAL SOLO PERFORMANCE
Her heart lurched. She had never signed up. She never performed in front of people.
"What is this?" she whispered.
From behind, a voice said, "Surprise."
She spun around John.
"You?!"
He raised his hands. "Before you freak out, hear me out."
"You put me in this?" she hissed. "Are you insane? I don't I can't"
"You can," he said firmly, eyes locked on hers. "Sarah, you've been hiding behind your overthinking for years. I'm just… giving you the stage you deserve."
The words made her pulse race not from flattery, but from pure panic. The walls felt like they were closing in.
"John, this isn't a cute romantic gesture. This is… this is a nightmare." Her voice cracked, and people started glancing over. She hated that.
John stepped closer, lowering his tone so only she could hear. "You're not a background character, Sarah. Not in your life. Not anymore. I'll be there right in the front row."
She stared at him, torn between wanting to slap him and… wanting to believe him.
But before she could respond, the bell rang, and the hallway dissolved into chaos.
Sarah walked to class in a daze, her mind a storm. Last night, she'd felt lighter. Today, she felt like the entire school was holding a spotlight over her head and she didn't know if she was about to shine… or burn.