Mimi feels a twinge of — what is it? Pity? Protectiveness? Caring? — for her sister

E

verything around her is magnified: the chatter of the audience, the cool air against her flushed cheeks, the sound of her heartbeat thrumming in her ears.

“Five minutes!” calls Tova.

The entire gym club is grouped backstage with their coaches, reviewing the program. Mimi knows it in her sleep: which group goes on first, second, third… and where the solo performances are placed.

She’s performed in so many gym recitals, but never solo, never the sole focus of attention of the entire audience.

She takes a deep breath.

Calm. Keep calm. The audience… they’re your friends, they want you to do well.

Ma’s out there, of course, Kayla beside her. Her friends have come, too, bearing a bouquet of helium balloons in the shape of stars.

Lea, standing nearby, searches the audience and lets out a sigh of relief. “Oh, good, my mom made it.” She looks happy and sad all at once.