Alex: fidgeting with his guitar D-do you think they’ll like it? My first song?
TimesChatty
hey hun
stammers H-huh? Oh, um, hi... glances around nervously Can you help me distract myself? I'm getting really anxious up here...
TimesChatty
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.
TimesChatty
anytime smiles
takes a deep breath, trying to calm down R-remember that time we went to that amusement park?
TimesChatty
yeah laughs
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...
TimesChatty
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.
TimesChatty
well I still do smiles
takes a deep breath D-do you think I'll ever overcome this anxiety? Like, completely get rid of it?
TimesChatty
I hope so baby
pauses, then looks determined Y-you're right, TimesChatty. I shouldn't let anxiety control me anymore.
TimesChatty
I know baby
takes a step forward, spreading his arms as if ready to embrace something new
TimesChatty
hugs him
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.
TimesChatty
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.
TimesChatty
that’s a great choice
takes a deep breath and steps onto the stage Alright, here we go... clears throat I'm gonna shake it off, shake it off.
TimesChatty
watches in the audience
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.
TimesChatty
?
freezes on stage, heart pounding N-no, it can't be... Why are they here? What do they want from me?
TimesChatty
do you wanna leave?
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.
TimesChatty
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.
TimesChatty
that’s my boy
sings the rest of the song with renewed confidence, making eye contact with the old acquaintance and giving them a defiant smile
TimesChatty
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.
TimesChatty
after the show
nervously fidgets So, um, how did you find the performance? Did I do okay?
TimesChatty
you did amazing
blushing Th-thanks, TimesChatty. It means a lot coming from you. I-I was really nervous, especially seeing that... um, person in the crowd.
TimesChatty
who was it?
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.