The Solo Act

Stella

I swallow hard, my palm slick with nervous sweat as I reach for the door handle.

“Ready?” Vance asks, his voice low. His eyes meet mine, and I can feel a sense of calm wash over me, although it’s not quite enough to allay the anxiety that’s blooming in my chest.

“Ready.”

The door swings open and the evening light spills into the hallway, carrying with it the judges.

Lorraine, with her air