The applause fades, but the adrenaline still courses through me as we step off the stage. Leo and Mia are grinning from ear to ear, their joy infectious.
"You were incredible, Lila!" Leo exclaims, pulling me into a tight hug. "I knew you could do it!"
Mia's eyes shine with excitement. "Seriously, that was amazing! You have such a powerful voice, and the crowd loved it!"
"Thank you both!" I can't help but beam with pride. "I can't believe we actually did it!"
As we soak in the afterglow of our performance, I spot my parents standing near the back of the venue. Their expressions are unreadable, and a knot tightens in my stomach. I had hoped for their support, but now doubt creeps in.
"Hey, do you see your family?" Mia asks, nudging me gently.
I nod, my heart racing. "Yeah, they're here."
"Go talk to them," Leo encourages, his voice steady. "You've worked so hard, and you deserve to celebrate this moment."
Taking a deep breath, I gather my courage and walk toward my parents. As I approach, their expressions shift from neutral to concerned.
"Lila, that was quite a performance," my dad says, his tone measured.
"Thanks," I reply, trying to gauge their reaction. "I really enjoyed it."
"I just don't understand why you're pursuing music instead of focusing on your studies," my mom says, her voice tinged with worry. "You have responsibilities at home."
"I am responsible! I've been balancing school, chores, and my music group," I assert, feeling the familiar tension rise. "This is important to me, Mom. I want to follow my passion."
My dad's brows furrow. "We just want what's best for you, but you need to be practical. Music isn't a reliable career."
"Not everything has to be practical!" I argue, my voice shaking with frustration. "I can't keep sacrificing my happiness for your expectations."
The conversation hangs in the air, heavy with unresolved feelings. I can see the worry etched on their faces, but for the first time, I feel a flicker of determination within me. "I love you both, but I need you to trust me. This is my life, and I want to make my own choices."
With that, I turn and walk back to Leo and Mia, my heart pounding. They both watch me with supportive smiles.
"How did it go?" Mia asks, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"I don't know yet," I reply, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. "But I spoke my truth. I can't keep pretending to be someone I'm not."
Leo places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "That's what matters. You stood up for yourself, and that's a big step."
YOU ARE READING
HEART'S IN THE SHADOWS
FantasyLila has always been the forgotten child, overshadowed by her parents' attention toward her half-siblings and younger brother. Despite her love and dedication, she is treated as little more than a servant in her own home-unseen, unheard, and unloved...
