Underworld Ties

Bella's Big Moment

The auditorium buzzed with excitement as parents and family filled the seats, eagerly waiting for the annual first-grade play. Bobby sat in the front row, his heart swelling with pride for his youngest daughter, Bella. She had been practicing her lines for weeks, and today was her moment to shine. But as he glanced at her in her oversized witch costume, a nagging feeling of dread settled in his stomach.

The curtain rose to reveal a whimsical forest backdrop, painted in vibrant greens and blues. Bella stood center stage, sporting a pointy hat that was slightly askew, her costume a patchwork of black and purple. Bobby's heart sank as he took in the sight.

*What kind of witch is this?* he thought, shaking his head internally. *She looks more like a lost kitten than a spell-casting sorceress.*

As the play unfolded, Bella's lines came out in a high-pitched squeak that barely reached the back rows. She fumbled with her wand, twisting it awkwardly in her small hands. Bobby could hardly watch, cringing at every mispronounced word and misplaced gesture.

*Why didn't she practice more?* he thought, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. *She's supposed to be casting spells, not reading a bedtime story!*

The other kids delivered their lines with confidence, their voices strong and clear. Bella, however, looked around nervously, her eyes darting from the audience to her fellow cast members. Bobby could see her hesitation; it was like watching a deer caught in headlights.

"By the power of the moon and the stars, I turn you into a frog!" she finally shouted, but it came out more as a whimper than a proclamation. The audience chuckled, and Bobby winced.

*Seriously?* he thought, clenching his jaw. *She sounds like she's ordering a pizza!*

As the play continued, Bella stumbled over her next line. "I-I mean, I cast a spell to turn you back!" she stammered, her words tumbling out in a rush. The moment was lost, and Bobby felt his heart sink deeper.

*This isn't just bad; it's painful to watch!*

### The Performance

When Bella finally managed to shout, "Abracadabra!" the enthusiasm was lacking, and the spell felt less magical. Bobby's disappointment washed over him like a cold wave, tightening his chest. He wanted to encourage her, but the truth was hard to swallow.

*What kind of witch just says 'Abracadabra'?* Bobby thought, shaking his head. *Where's the flair? The drama?*

In his mind, he replayed all the times he could have helped her practice. *Maybe I could've helped her with some acting tips? How hard can it be to be a witch?*

As the final scene approached, Bella glanced nervously at the audience, her confidence wavering. The other kids executed grand gestures and booming voices, while Bella's wand drooped helplessly by her side. Bobby felt a mix of disappointment and guilt; he knew he hadn't pushed her hard enough.

*I should have done more,* he thought. *She deserves better than this.*

### The Curtain Call

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the play reached its conclusion. The cast took their bows, and Bella stood with the others, her face a mixture of relief and uncertainty. The applause from the audience was polite but lacked enthusiasm, and Bobby knew they were being kind.

As the kids exited the stage, Bella ran straight to him, her eyes wide with hope. "Daddy! Did I do a good job?" she asked, practically bouncing on her toes.

Bobby looked into her eager face, the innocence shining through her disappointment. He felt a pang of guilt wash over him. *How can I tell her the truth?*