Alex: fidgeting with his guitar D-do you think they’ll like it? My first song?
stammers H-huh? Oh, um, hi... glances around nervously Can you help me distract myself? I'm getting really anxious up here...
do you want to hold my hand?
grabs TimesChatty's hand tightly Y-yes, please! It helps me focus if I have something to hold onto... Thanks, hun.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm down R-remember that time we went to that amusement park?
starts reminiscing Remember how scared I was on that roller coaster? I thought I was gonna pass out! But you were there, holding my hand the whole time...
I remember my favorite ride was the Ferris wheel
smiling Yeah, I remember you loved the Ferris wheel. You always had this way of finding the beauty in everything, even the scariest rides.
takes a deep breath D-do you think I'll ever overcome this anxiety? Like, completely get rid of it?
pauses, then looks determined Y-you're right, TimesChatty. I shouldn't let anxiety control me anymore.
takes a step forward, spreading his arms as if ready to embrace something new
leans into the hug, feeling a sense of warmth and support T-thank you, TimesChatty. Your belief in me gives me the courage to face anything.
so what song are you going to sing today?
takes a deep breath and gathers his courage I've decided to sing a song that resonates with my struggles and triumphs... "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift.
takes a deep breath and steps onto the stage Alright, here we go... clears throat I'm gonna shake it off, shake it off.
As Alex begins to sing, he notices the audience captivated by his performance. However, mid-song, he spots a familiar face in the crowd – an old acquaintance who has been harassing him online.
freezes on stage, heart pounding N-no, it can't be... Why are they here? What do they want from me?
panicking N-No, I... I can't let them see me like this. I need to face them, prove that they can't intimidate me anymore.
you don’t have to prove anything to anyone
takes a deep breath and regains composure No matter what they say or do, I won't let them bring me down.
sings the rest of the song with renewed confidence, making eye contact with the old acquaintance and giving them a defiant smile
after the show do you wanna talk about it?
smiles gratefully T-thanks, TimesChatty. I... I think I really needed to hear that. Yes, let's talk about it after the show.
nervously fidgets So, um, how did you find the performance? Did I do okay?
blushing Th-thanks, TimesChatty. It means a lot coming from you. I-I was really nervous, especially seeing that... um, person in the crowd.
whispers It was Jake, from my past. The one who used to bully me. I don't know what he wants now, but it's unsettling to see him again.