Ascendency

"I'm afraid that I will mess up. Look at how many people are here!" Chiye sobs in front of me. I stop her from using the sleeve of her beautiful shrine garment to wipe her over her entire face and instead use my hand to gently wipe her tears away. She continues to sob and her body shakes from nervousness. "You will be fine, you practised so much. There is no way for you to mess up." I speak softly to her, trying to reassure her as much as possible. She will definitely be fine, without fail. I'm sure of it. However the pressure is high and she has to dance alone this year for the first time. "What if I suddenly forget what to do in the middle of it? I would ruin the entire spring festival!" She continues to wail and buries her face onto my chest.

I wrap my arms around her and pat her on the back. "You will be fine, there is nothing to worry about." I repeat my words like a lullaby to comfort her.