The next day, after a grueling performance, I find myself alone backstage. I'm physically and emotionally drained, and for the first time in a long while, I feel completely overwhelmed. That's when Leo walks in, his face lighting up when he sees me.
"You were amazing out there, as always," he says, his smile wide.
"Thanks," I reply, but my voice lacks its usual enthusiasm.
Leo immediately notices. He sits down beside me, concern etched on his face. "What's going on, Lila? You don't seem like yourself."
I hesitate, unsure if I should tell him how I've been feeling. But the weight on my chest is too heavy to carry alone.
"I'm... tired, Leo. Really tired," I admit. "It feels like everything is happening so fast, and I can't keep up. I'm afraid if I stop, I'll fall behind, but if I keep going, I'll burn out."
Leo listens intently, his expression softening. "You don't have to do this alone, you know. You've worked so hard to get here, but you're allowed to take a step back when you need to. No one expects you to be perfect all the time."
His words sink in, and for the first time in weeks, I feel like I can breathe again.
"I don't want to lose everything I've worked for," I say quietly.
"You won't," he reassures me. "But you need to take care of yourself too. Your music will still be here when you're ready."
I nod, grateful for his support. Leo has always been my anchor, and even as our lives change, I know I can count on him.
YOU ARE READING
HEART'S IN THE SHADOWS
FantasíaLila 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...
