APPLAUSE erupts around her as the last performer standing between her and the spotlight finishes strumming, the grin on his face unbelievable. How could he be so excited?! Bewildered and terrified, Aurora takes one step toward the stage. Two. With each movement comes a deep breath, and her nerves finally die down. I’m alone. It’s only me here. No one else. As her mind blocks everyone else out, she squares her shoulders and starts to stride, confidence building the closer she comes to the stage. Soon enough, she’s up the few stairs, and across the length of the flooring until she’s at the microphone. One last breath as she envisions everyone who’s supported her today, everyone who motivated her to do this. With all of these faces, all of these friends in her head, her mouth drops open to speak. “I’m Aurora Parker, and this is my take on On Top of the World.”