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The moment I begin to sing, it’s as if everything else fades away. The music screams from my lungs, a raw, passionate sound that fills the room. Singing has always been my sanctuary, the one place where I feel completely at home, completely myself. As I pour every ounce of emotion into the lyrics, I feel a sense of rightness, a certainty that this is where I belong.
I move across the stage, trying to own it, to make my presence felt. My gaze occasionally flicks to the judges, but their expressions are unreadable, their faces neutral. The uncertainty is nerve-wracking, but I push it aside, focusing instead on the music, on the connection I feel with every note.
The song builds, my voice rising with it, powerful and clear. I hear myself and know it sounds incredible, but there’s something still lacking. Lily’s guitar solo comes next, a perfect harmony to my vocals, while Trev’s drums provide a steady, pulsing heartbeat to our performance.
And my breaths are coming too fast. As I stand on the stage, microphone in hand, a deep sorrow pins itself in my chest. This moment, singing our hearts out for a chance of a lifetime, is everything we’ve worked for. Yet the joy of it is tinged with a pang of longing—how much I wish to share this with Jake, with my dad. My bandmates are my family, but in moments like these, the absence of those I hold dear feels heavy.
I push this sorrow into my voice, letting it add depth and emotion to the lyrics. As I walk across the stage, the bright lights casting long shadows, my mind can’t help but wonder. It races through everything I have, everything I’m risking, and everything I stand to gain. Then the chorus comes, a part of the song that feels almost too real at this moment:
In shadows of night, I chase freedom’s light,
Among the stars, beyond the bars, in my silent fight.
Yet as I soar, yearning for more,
It’s the warmth of your love for which my heart truly fights.
The words ring in my head, a reminder of my own desire for freedom, for making a mark. But at what cost? Is this truly what I want? The weight of these thoughts, coupled with the absence of Jake and my dad, begins to overwhelm me. This means so much to me, and yet, as always, it’s just me and the band.
Approaching the last bit of the song, my mind is consumed by thoughts of Jake. What if something terrible happened to him? I should have never left; I should have kept searching. These thoughts cloud my mind, and unexpectedly, I pause mid-song, the band playing on without me.
My heart races, panic and confusion setting in. From the judges’ table, a voice breaks through,
“Is everything alright?”
Before I can muster a response, another voice answers for me.
“Sorry we’re late.”
I blink against the stage lights, straining to see. It’s Jake and my dad walking into the stadium, taking their seats with urgency. Shock floods through me, tears springing to my eyes, mixed with a surge of nervous excitement at seeing my dad there, too. His smile, encouraging and proud, nods for me to continue.
Lily is at my side in an instant, her voice low and concerned. “You’re good, Em?”
I turn to her, the sight of Jake and my dad still fresh in my vision, and a newfound strength wells up inside me.
“Yeah... yeah, it is now,” I say, my voice steady.
With renewed vigor, I lift the microphone back to my lips, ready to finish what we started. The presence of the two most important men in my life in the audience gives me the push I need. As the music swells around me, I sing not just for the judges, not just for the chance at fame, but for myself, for Jake, for my dad—for us all.
As the song comes to an end, the last note hanging in the air, a moment of silence envelops the room before the judges start to clap. It’s not the roaring applause of a large crowd, but at this moment, it feels just as significant. Dad and Jake are on their feet, bellowing their shouts of approval.
Even if we don’t win today, just having them come for me is everything.
Stepping back from the microphone, I exchange looks with my bandmates. They’re exhausted, frazzled, and nervous as hell.
“You guys were incredible,” I say as I approach them. We do a huge group hug, then we head off stage as the next band prepares to showcase their talent.
As I come off the stage, still buzzing from the performance, I see Jake and my dad making their way toward me. My heart squeezes as if it’s about to burst out of my chest. I run toward them, my smile directed at Jake, but it’s my dad I embrace first.
“You came,” I manage to say. “Guess the cat’s out of the bag now.”
Dad chuckles, a soft, affectionate sound. “Jake came to me and told me how incredibly talented you are. He insisted that I had to come and see you, to support you. He said I’d be proud of you.”
I blink back tears, barely able to speak. “And?” I prompt, needing to hear the words. “I know you didn’t want me to sing.”
“My sweet girl, you have no idea how proud you make me,” he says earnestly. “I feel like an old fool for making you hide your passion from me. After your mom, I just... I struggled.” He sighs deeply, and I hug him tighter.
“Don’t worry about that,” I whisper. “I’m just so happy you’re here. Love you, Dad.”
