The Understudy Who Refused to Go On Stage

Tonight was the biggest night of the season. Clara sat in the dressing room. She was the understudy. This meant she learned every song, but she never performed. Tonight, the lead singer, Diana, was sick with a fever. She could not sing.

Mr. Holt, the director, knocked on the door. 'Clara, it is time. You must go on stage.'

Clara was terrified. Two years ago, she tried to sing in a small theater. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She felt embarrassed and ran away. She became an understudy because she loved music but was afraid of the audience.

Diana called Clara into her room. 'I heard you practicing,' Diana said. 'You sing perfectly. The audience is just people. They want to feel something beautiful. Give them that.'

Clara looked in the mirror. She put on the blue stage dress. Her hands were shaking, but she opened the door. 'I will do it,' she told Mr. Holt.

She stood in the dark wings of the stage. The theater became quiet. The pianist played the first notes. Clara walked into the bright lights. She saw the people in the front row. She opened her mouth, and this time, her voice was strong and clear. The music filled the room.

After the show, Diana smiled at her. 'You are not an understudy anymore,' she said. Clara laughed and cried at the same time. She was finally a real performer.