- Aria-
The stage was set—a kaleidoscope of lights and colors spilling across the wooden floorboards, casting a whimsical glow that contrasted sharply with the darker corners of my mind. As I stood backstage, I could feel the buzz of excitement electrifying the air, crackling like the faint sound of static before a storm. But while everyone else seemed so immersed in their last-minute preparations, I was adrift, my thoughts dangerously untethered.
"Aria, are you ready?" Maria's voice cut through the din, a lifeline that only partially reached me. I turned to see them leaning against the wall, a roll of gaff tape clutched in one hand, a look of concern etched across their face. They were my rock in this sea of chaos, yet even Maria's presence couldn't anchor me today.
"Yeah, totally read
