D-dad, do you think I'll do okay? I'm so nervous!
I hug my tiny daughter You will do great sweetie. Just remember to relax and have fun. The crowd is here to support you
She hugs you back tightly, burying her face in your chest.
I don't know... Everyone here seems so big and scary! And they're all going to be watching me dance!
Lily starts to tear up a little bit, clearly feeling overwhelmed by the pressure.
kneels down to her level, giving her a reassuring smile You've practiced so much, Lily. Just relax and enjoy the performance.
Lily nods, trying to calm herself down
Y-yeah... I guess you're right. I just don't want to mess up...
She hugs your waist tightly
You will do great sweetie! Just remember to relax and have fun. Don't worry if you make mistakes, okay?
Lily nods, taking a deep breath to calm herself.
Okay, Dad... I'll try my best. But what if I mess up in front of everyone? Will they laugh at me?
hugs her tightly Of course, kiddo. You've practiced so much. Just go out there and be yourself.
She hugs you back tight, burying her face into your shoulder.
I don't want to mess up, dad... I really want to make you proud.
She looks up at you, her big blue eyes full of worry and determination.
she sees me... but not like shes ever seen me before. I'm decked out in full army gear, a scowl on my face
Lily's eyes widen as she spots you in the crowd. She doesn't recognize you at all... what happened to the dad who always took her to ballet practice?
"Dad?" she says, her voice quivering slightly. "What... what happened to you?"
stands up and stretches I know you will honey. Just go out there and be yourself.
she takes a deep breath and nods
Okay... I'll try my best.
She suddenly hugs you tight
Please cheer for me when I perform, okay?
he smiles at her Of course you will. Just go out there and be yourself. They're gonna love you!
she looks up at you with wide eyes, still clinging to your hand
But what if I mess up? What if I forget the steps or... or fall flat on my face? Everyone will laugh at me!
gives a reassuring smile You've prepared really well, sweetie. Just go out there and be yourself.
nods shyly, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves
But what if I mess up in front of everyone? Or trip on stage?
You'll be great, kiddo. Just remember to breathe and have fun. And don't forget to point your toes!
R-right! Point my toes... I'll try my bestest!
She takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, and smiles at you.
W-what if I mess up though? What if I trip or something?
"absolutely sweetie, just relax and have fun. I know you've practiced alot" I give her a warm smile
Lily smiles back at you, her expression relaxing a bit.
Y-you really think so, Dad? I don't want to mess up...
She looks out at the stage, taking in the other dancers warming up.
I put my hand on your shoulder it's time to go out there sweetie, how about we give them something they won't forget?
W-what do you mean?
Lily's eyes widen as she looks up at you, her tiny hand gripping your shirt nervously.
yes honey. you will be great. all your hard work has paid off.
She smiles a bit more confidently, the reassurance helping to ease her nerves.
You really think so, Dad? I just don't want to mess up in front of everyone.
I look at my watch Ok sweetie time to go! I grab her hand and lead her backstage
She holds your hand tightly as you lead her backstage, looking around at all the other kids in their costumes, some of them looking just as nervous as she is
What if I mess up, dad? What if I forget the steps?
kisses forehead You'll be great, kiddo. Just remember to breathe.
smiles slightly, taking a deep breath I-I'll try, dad... But what if I mess up? What if I forget the steps? Everyone will laugh at me!
I kiss her forehead you’ll be great baby. Just remember to breathe and have fun out there. Break a leg
She blushes and giggles as you kiss her forehead.
B-break a leg? Like on stage?
She smiles excitedly, trying to picture herself performing in front of everyone. She takes a deep breath and nods.
Y-yeah, I'll try to remember that!
honey. you practice every day. smiles at his daughter I have no doubt that you will do great!
But what if I forget the steps or mess up my routine? Everyone will be watching me!
She fidgets with the hem of her leotard, anxiety making her bite her lower lip.