**Tour Morning – Hotel Room, Somewhere in Pennsylvania**
Stevie stood at her vanity, adjusting the tassels on her shawl, humming softly as she applied her eyeliner. Her solo tour was in full swing, and the energy had been incredible. Tonight's show was sold out—another packed theater ready for stories and songs.
Across the hotel, Sharon groaned as she sat up in bed. Her throat felt like sandpaper.
"Ugh," she muttered, rubbing her neck. "It's nothing. I'll be fine by tonight."
She got up, brushed her teeth, had some coffee, and chalked it up to dry hotel air.
She was wrong.
---
**That Night – Backstage, Post-Gig**
The show had gone well enough, but Sharon's voice had taken a hit. She coughed behind her hand as she sipped water, curled up in the dressing room's worn velvet chair. Marilyn and Lori sat with her, laughing and chatting about the crowd.
"Stevie was on fire tonight," Marilyn said, kicking off her boots.
"Totally," Lori agreed. "And that bit she did before 'Edge of Seventeen'? The one about the moon and that guy from Denver?"
Sharon smiled tiredly, voice hoarse. "She always knows how to paint a scene."
Marilyn paused. "Hey... you okay?"
"I'm good," Sharon said quickly. "Just a little tired."
None of them noticed how close they were sitting.
---
**The Next Morning – Stevie's Hotel Room**
*Knock, knock, knock.*
Stevie opened the door, still in her robe. "Marilyn?"
Marilyn stood there wrapped in a hoodie, her sunglasses slightly crooked, her voice scratchy as gravel.
"I—I can't go on tonight," she rasped dramatically, hand to her chest. "My throat. It's—there's no way. I sound like a chain-smoking toad."
Stevie blinked. "You have a sore throat?"
"A bad one," Marilyn said, stepping a little too close.
Stevie gently leaned back. "Okay, okay. Get some rest. I'll manage."
Marilyn gave her a weak thumbs-up and shuffled off down the hallway.
---
**Later That Afternoon – Hotel Lobby**
Sharon ran into Stevie and Karen on the way to the elevator.
Stevie looked up. "Hey, Sharon! Ready for round two?"
Sharon hesitated. "Actually... no. I've got a sore throat."
Stevie sighed. "Oh no, not you too."
Sharon tried to laugh. "It's not that bad, I just probably shouldn't push it tonight. Might be better if I sit this one out."
"Alright," Stevie said, rubbing her temples. "Well, thank you for letting me know. At least there's still Lori..."
---
**Pre-Show – Venue Green Room**
Lori approached Stevie near the make-up table. Her shoulders were slouched, and her face said it all.
Stevie turned. "Looks like it's just you and me tonight. Shar and Mini both have sore throats and can't go on."
Lori sighed, her voice now raspier than Sharon's. "Stevie... I hate to say it, but mine's killing me too. I tried to pretend it wasn't there, but I'm down for the count."
