The Spotlight

Chapter 1

The din of the pub swells around me as I methodically wipe down the bar, my movements lethargic and detached. It's my birthday, but the festive atmosphere feeals hollow, a stark contrast to the heaviness in my chest. The neon lights flicker, casting an eerie glow on the faces of the patrons, their laughter and chatter blending into a cacophonous symphony.

I glance up, catching sight of my reflection in the mirror behind the bar. Tousled blonde hair frames my face, but my blue eyes lack their usual sparkle. The weight of the past few weeks presses down on me, and the memories of Ethan's betrayal are still fresh and raw.

As I pour another round of drinks, a group of men approach the bar, their eyes roving over my figure with undisguised interest. One of them leans in close, his breath hot against my ear, as he attempts a flirtatious line. I roll my eyes, a scoff escaping my lips as I turn away, dismissing his advances with a curt shake of my head.

The music shifts, the opening notes of a popular song filling the air. The karaoke stage beckons, a spotlight illuminating the empty microphone stand. I feel a tug in my chest, a familiar longing to lose myself in the music, to pour my heart out through lyrics and melody.

But the weight of my emotions holds me back, and the scars of Ethan's infidelity are still tender and aching. Flashbacks of our tumultuous relationship play out in my mind—snippets of heated arguments and tearful confrontations. I remember the day I discovered his betrayal, the world shattering around me like fragile glass.

I shake my head, trying to dispel the painful memories. The karaoke stage looms ahead, a beacon of both temptation and trepidation. I know I should go up there to sing my heart out and release the pent-up emotions that threaten to consume me.

But the thought of baring my soul in front of a crowd, of exposing my vulnerability and pain, fills me with a paralyzing fear. I hesitate, my feet rooted to the spot behind the bar, torn between the desire to escape and the need to confront my demons.

The patrons continue to chatter and laugh, oblivious to my internal struggle. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what lies ahead. With a final glance at my reflection, I step out from behind the bar, my heart pounding in my chest as I make my way towards the karaoke stage, unsure of what the night will bring but knowing that I can no longer run from the music that calls to my soul.

I step onto the karaoke stage, the spotlight enveloping me in its warm embrace. The pub falls silent, all eyes fixed on me as I take my place behind the microphone. My heart races, pounding against my rib cage like a caged bird desperate for release. I close my eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves.

As I open my eyes, I scan the crowd, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of the stage lights.

"Hi everyone, my name is Riley, and I hope everyone is having a good time. I will be opening up for karaoke tonight." I clear my throat, my voice trembling slightly as I announce my song choice. "I'll be singing 'Make You Feel My Love' by Adele." A murmur of approval ripples through the audience, and I feel a flicker of confidence ignite within me.

The first notes of the song fill the air, and I let the melody wash over me. As I begin to sing, the words flow from my lips like a confession, each syllable laced with the pain and heartache of my recent breakup. The memories of Ethan's betrayal flash through my mind, fueling the emotion behind every word.

When the rain is blowing in your face

And the whole world is on your case

I could offer you a warm embrace to make you feel my love

My voice grows stronger with each passing verse; the emotions I've kept bottled up inside are pouring out through my words. The pain of Ethan's betrayal, the heartache of our shattered dreams, the longing for a love that once felt so real—it all bleeds into my performance, adding a depth and authenticity that I've never quite achieved before.