The breath in my lungs feels constricted in my tightening chest. My fingers are tingling as they tap the ridged strings beneath them. The stage is in front of me. It is a temporary stage, made of tables pushed together and secured with tape. In all likelihood, it is the ricketiest stage I will have ever been on.
I don’t get it. I have been behind the scenes for shows a million times before. I’ve performed countless times.
Why do I feel nervous now?
Performances used to make me nervous, but I found ways around my jitters. I had breathing exercises, mantras, and sometimes a peppermint to soothe my nerves.
Somehow, this performance feels different, and all of my usual habits are out the window. Am I nervous because I’m performing in front of The Pack and the other Lycans from school?