Despite everything, despite knowing others would love to be in my place — I still feel sorriest for me

Today, Baylee and I leave choir practice halfway through; we have play practice. Chan lets out a dramatic sigh as we leave.

“Oh noooo…. We really need you for the medley! Will you be back before the end of the practice?”

I look at Baylee. We’re practicing Scene Ten now, that could take a while.

“We’ll try,” Baylee promises.

“How’s choir going?” Miss Weller asks when we come in. I’m gratified to be noticed, but before we can even answer, Chaya and Shaindy charge over, frantic about some problem with the dialogue in Scene Eight, and just like that, we’re background props again.

I muster up a little enthusiasm when we get up on stage. Scene Ten is my favorite; I actually have something important to say. I perform my lines with what I hope is the perfect blend of drama and realism, stepping seamlessly into the spotlight for a few blissful moments.

“Great! Good! I think this scene is really good to go,” Chaya says enthusiastically. “I don’t think we need to go over it again. Scene Eleven needs a ton more work.”

Shaindy nods in agreement. “Okay, guys, early dismissal! You’re the best! Scene Eleven, let’s go!”

I walk down the steps slowly, feeling deflated. So that’s what we get for acting well.

“Back to choir,” Baylee says. “Chan will be happy. We’ve hardly missed anything.”

I lag behind. “Ugh, let’s just skip the rest of practice. They’ll never know.”