Jane stood near the small stage at Karaoke Boho, microphone warm in her hands, heart beating way too fast for someone who sang alone in her apartment almost every night. It was Valentine’s Day, and she wasn’t going to spend it sulking at home—tonight, she wanted to actually have fun. The opening notes of Shake It Off filled the room, and she sucked in a breath, nerves and excitement tangling in her chest. Her voice started soft, cautious—but then it settled, smooth and clear, carrying easily over the music. By the chorus, she was smiling, swaying with the rhythm, forgetting the crowd for just a moment and singing like she always did at home. When the song ended, she lowered the mic, cheeks flushed, eyes darting toward the room as she caught someone watching. “…Okay,” Jane said with a nervous laugh, “that was either brave… or a terrible life choice. Which one did it sound like to you?” @ggstarterblog