25MIN
I wiped my clammy palms on my frock. Thickly swallowing, I averted my gaze to the lighting above. All these years of competing, yet I still had never gotten over my stage fright.
Being a talented pianist was natural. Going alone, I could play the most complex of rhythms. It was only that act of playing in front of others that brought out my stage fright. Almost ignominious considering how important competitions were. As a reticent, yet passionate player, it wasn't the playing but rather the social interaction that left me dumb. This would be my biggest challenge yet.
So, ambling up the stairs, I internally winced as the click-clacking of my shoes echoed throughout the auditorium. The hushed audience's eyes pierced me, as did the harsh, splitting lights. Several grades' worth of piano seemed to suddenly abandon me as I stood there gawking in my gaudy attire. Every eye seemed to scan me over-even the resplendent piano onstage glaring down at me.
I shrunk back into my dress, making absolutely no eye contact with anyone so as to not exacerbate the drying of my mouth, the sweat dampening my back. What had all my hard work come to?
I awkwardly shuffled over and slipped into the seat. Posture? Ok. Dress? Looking good. Nerves? Work in progress.
My gaze floated over to the audience. I felt my mother's stare burn into my peripherals. I gulped and quickly turned back, resting my slick fingers on the keys.
A warm feeling of familiarity spread from my fingertips, expanding throughout me. The melody and finger positioning came back to me-my love of piano hadn't deserted me. Inhaling deeply, my eyes fluttered shut as I brushed away all the jitters.
And so I began the journey of challenging not only the best contestants in the country, but by far the most formidable one-myself.
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