Oh, Calamity

Lights.

Screaming.

So many people.

I feel weak at the knees. My breath catches in my throat. I can't do this. I run off stage, dropping my guitar as I go. Breathe, just breathe.

I feel a hand on my shoulder, a familiar voice in my ear. "Alex. Alex, look at me." I turn my head and look into those brown eyes I know so well.

"It's okay, Alex," he says. "You're okay. Deep breaths, remember."

My eyes fill with tears and I shake my head.

"Come on, Alex, stand up. You can do this. You're okay. You’ve done this before."

He's right. I can do this. Be brave, Alex. Tom would want you to.

With Jack's help, I shakily get to my feet.

I take a deep breath. "Okay, let's do this.”