| P r o j e c t P l a t i n u m |

| A n d y |

"You might just have what it takes to go Platinum"

"Andy..."

"Andy are you okay?"

Andy snapped out of her trance as her eyes met with those of her therapist Dr. Anderson.

"Uh- yeah, yeah I'm fine"

Andy nodded a little too vigorously for her liking as Dr. Anderson smiled at her understandingly.

Andy liked that she didn't pity her or make her feel small, but rather understand her,
Help her,
And make her feel less alone.

"Andy, I think we were talking about your love for music"

Andy's eyes widened in realization.

"Oh... yeah, that's right"

Andy nervously picked her nails in embarrassment.

"Andy tell me about your love for music."

Andy's throat suddenly felt dry as she fought to find the right words.

"Um.. well, I just... I just feel like I can breathe when I sing you know?"

Andy internally slapped herself for her lack of words.

Andy hated how hard it was to speak to others as easily as everyone else did.

She hated the fact that she couldn't speak a straight sentence without her hands or voice shaking.

She just wanted to feel normal.

Whatever that meant.

"Andy that's amazing! I'm so proud of you for finding your healthy outlet."

Dr. Anderson smiled genuinely at Andy.

"Andy, this week your assignment is to do something that goes outside of your comfort zone, but doesn't make you panic. We want to help you heal, but we don't want to make you feel anxious, you understand?"

Andy nodded.

"Okay, now what's something that excites you but you are too scared to do it, or don't feel like you're good enough for it?"

Andy coughed awkwardly.

"I.... I want to do that singing show, but singing in front of so many people I.... I..."

Andy's eyes widened as she began to hyperventilate.

Even still, Dr. Anderson never lost her compassion.

"Andy, I want you to know that you are safe right now. Nothing in this room can hurt you, I am here with you. You are safe. "

Andy's breathing slowly became less rapid.

"Andy, I want you to breathe in deeply, and exhale every ounce of breath from your lungs"

Andy did as she was told.

"Now I want you to think of yourself as breathing in peace, and breathing out fear"

Andy closed her eyes and pictured herself breathing out her crippling anxiety, feeling much better than before.

"Okay Andy,  I know that crowds can be triggering for you, but I think it's amazing you want to do a singing competition. I think that it wouldn't hurt to at least apply"

"Bu... but what if I make it?"

"Andy, if you make it you make the most of it, and if you don't, you should feel more than proud of yourself for even trying"

Andy wiped the sweat off her palms.

"They said that only six out of a million contestants are chosen, there's no way they'd choose me"

"Well Andy, either way you're going to grow even more, in fact I see such growth in you right now! You have been amazing me, and are amazing me with your perseverance."

Andy smiled shyly as a spark of confidence ignited within her.

"Can.... can we apply together?"

Dr. Anderson smiled at Andy's words.

"You mean will I help you apply?"

Andy nodded.

"Andy, I would be more than delighted to help you!"

Andy sighed a breath of relief.

"Th-thank you so much Dr. Anderson"

Dr. Anderson smiled warmly at Andy as the two eventually finished the lengthy application, eventually pressing submit.

"I am so proud of you Andy, and I think you have what it takes to go Platinum."