An emotional lesson

their emotions instead of suppressing them. Emotions and feelings hurt. They cannot be stored away. They gather and collect dust in a corner of the mind until something triggers them, turning the dust into pins and needles that pierce and sting with every thought. ea con . n . rou , ence . am e scr ar s n m se . e ore m w . e

. , the more my hands began to sweat and the dread I did not foresee pulled me deeper into a vast ocean.

“Let’s welcome Emily Ng onto the stage to share her thoughts!” The speakers blared. This was my moment. Taking a deep breath, I whispered, “Everything will be fine.”

Then, I stepped into the spotlight and froze. The bright lights blinded me, clouding my vision. I recited my first line, then my second. After that, I could recall nothing. My mind frantically sought for words.

The realisation that I had stage fright a . . . . em arrassmen . ure. was e l , w ears e e

. eac er s e as

. .– crouc or e rs . on

.

The spring wind whistled past me as I heard footsteps running my way. I wiped my tears away and stood up, only to see my best friends coming to scold me because I was such a joke.

I hung my head in embarrassment. Then, arms enclosed me suddenly in a hug. “Guys...” my voice cracked as tears of surprise trickled down.

“Hey now, don’t cry,” said Andrea with a smile. “It doesn’t matter if you screw up. Stage fright in front of everyone is not that big a deal because everyone has these moments and everyone makes mistakes. We will always be here for you no matter what.”

ld cry as I held them tighter. ound t eir way to ark that I