Standing backstage, I could feel my heart thumping in my chest. “Just relax,” my friend Jenny whispered. “You’re ready for this.” I nodded. Jenny was right. I’d been practicing my song for the school talent show for six weeks. Still, picturing an audience packed with kids, parents and teachers made me want to run out the door. “Too late for that,” I thought, as Mr. Peterson announced my song. Jenny gave me a nudge, and suddenly I was on the stage. Standing in the spotlight, I grasped the microphone and belted out the lyrics. I heard my voice pour through the speakers and fill the room. “It’s going well,” I thought to myself. “Don’t mess up.” I looked out at the sea of faces. The auditorium was dark, but I could see hundreds of eyes staring back at me. The smell of candy bars and popcorn filled the room. “I hope Jenny is saving some for me,” I thought, as I started the chorus one last time. As I finished the song, the audience began to clap. “Yeah, Katie!” one kid yelled. “You rock!” screeched another. I took a bow and walked offstage with a smile plastered across my face. “How many days until next year’s talent show?” I asked Jenny.jiophniiiiifubfsbnkfgbvlruefgguzidsghdgblyisgcfuwguigeg edgbfuieguif bf esfbheb kf fb kesugbfe fnbduf sbf fjb jdlghiikshuo z ekgbzikwehstufigb e fgbtfjkehutbens trjt m, seiothehiothwkhiew fheisu ehgjmkehsorjkbhje /Standing backstage, I could feel my heart thumping in my chest. “Just relax,” my friend Jenny whispered. “You’re ready for this.” I nodded. Jenny was right. I’d been practicing my song for the school talent show for six weeks. Still, picturing an audience packed with kids, parents and teachers made me want to run out the door. “Too late for that,” I thought, as Mr. Peterson announced my song. Jenny gave me a nudge, and suddenly I was on the stage. Standing in the spotlight, I grasped the microphone and belted out the lyrics. I heard my voice pour through the speakers and fill the room. “It’s going well,” I thought to...