2 A.M.

She smiles radiantly, then bows to the audience, while placing her hand at her chest in a polite manner.

Then she walks off the stage, still holding up her smile.

Yet her eyes could not conceal her shock at the lukewarm reception, her emerging tears and her want of solace.

People around her smiles cordially at her, some even encourages her and pats her on her back.

Yet her eyes could not turn away from those who gave her a smile and starts to whisper behind her back.

She goes into her dressing room to change back into her normal street clothes. Her eyes reddened and perhaps this was just the beginning of worse things to come. She knows how brutal and critical people can be.

There is someone at the door. She quickly wipes a tear away and opens the door, while trying to fake a yawn. It is just her performing partner who quickly asks if anything was wrong. She lies and says she was tired. They talk a bit more and she feels better.

She quickly changes and goes through the side entrance, while her manager waits for her. She gets into the van and draws down the curtains even if it is dark outside.

Her heart is strong, she knows. She has endured criticisms before and she can do it once again.

Yet, she wishes that she could be better then. She keeps telling herself that she has done her best and she can only hope for the best.

Suddenly, she wants to go home. Back to her parents who will not judge her, back to her old bed which will embrace her.

She shakes her head. No. She cannot afford to let herself be caught up like this. She is a celebrity and she knows this is the price she has to pay and has paid.

Her manager asks if she is okay. She just smiles at him and say "Of course!". She brings the window into view and looks out. Yes, she has done her best, she will do better next time.

She wonders, how long do I have to do this?

She ponders, where is my passion for my talent? Is it gone? What am I doing this for again?

She smiles sadly and closes her eyes, pretending she was tired, pretending she is just wanting to take a nap while she tried to make her mind to take her higher, away from this all.

She is shaken by her manager. She must have really fallen asleep.

She asks what time is it. It is 2 in the morning. A few hours before the whole routine starts again.



It'd be good if she can go home instead. Even if it's just for a few hours.