Tonight is the school talent show! Emma has practiced her piano song for weeks and weeks.
But now, waiting backstage, her hands feel cold. Her tummy fills with butterflies.
The Talent Show
She peeks out from behind the curtain. So many faces are out there!
What if she plays a wrong note? What if she forgets the whole song? Emma wants to run and hide.
Other kids go first. A magician pulls a scarf from his sleeve. A boy juggles three balls. A group of girls dances.
Each one gets a big clap. Emma is next, and she is shaking.
Her teacher kneels beside her and smiles. “Just play for yourself,” she whispers, “the way you do at home. Take a deep breath.”
Emma breathes in slow. She breathes out slow.
Emma walks to the piano and sits down. She starts to play. The first notes wobble a little.
Then her fingers remember. The song grows smooth and beautiful, and it fills the whole room.
Emma plays the last note. For a moment, everything is quiet. Then the whole crowd claps and cheers!
Emma did it. Being brave, and being herself, was the best feeling of all.