As she sat in the dressing room, staring silently into the mirror, she couldn’t help but wonder how it had come to this. How had she become so isolated and alone in a world that she loved so much?
For as long as she could remember, dancing had been her passion. It was the one thing that had always brought her joy and happiness, the one thing that had made her feel truly alive. And yet, despite all of her talent and hard work, she was still alone.
She closed her eyes and took a deep, cleansing breath. It didn’t matter, she decided. None of it mattered. All she had to do was focus on the performance. That was what truly mattered, after all.
The lights flickered and the stage manager appeared in the doorway. It was time. She rose slowly from her chair and smoothed down her costume, taking one last deep breath before stepping out onto the stage.
The audience was hushed, waiting in rapt anticipation for the show to begin. She looked out at the sea of faces and felt a sudden surge of anxiety wash over her. What if she messed up? What if she stumbled or fell? What if she was unable to live up to the expectations placed upon her?
But then, as if by magic, the music began to play and her body started to move. Every inch of her being was consumed by the rhythm and flow of the music, the ecstasy of the performance.
For a brief moment, she forgot all about her loneliness and isolation. She was in her element, in the very center of her own world. And for those few precious minutes, nothing else mattered.
As the final notes of the music faded away, she fell to the floor, exhausted but elated. The audience roared their approval, and she couldn’t help but smile. For a moment, at least, she had found happiness.