You were amazing

The tension in the room was palpable as the montage of nominees' work started rolling on the massive screen at the front of the venue.

My heart pounded like a drum as the first nominee's name flashed across the screen, accompanied by clips of their work. The audience clapped politely, the sound mixing with the low hum of anticipation that filled the air.

I tried to focus on the videos, really, but my mind was running in a million directions. What if I didn't win? Would people pity me?

Would they look at me and think, Oh, poor Elena, she's just not cut out for this. And worse what if I did win? Would I trip walking up the stairs?

Say something ridiculous? What if I cried and ruined my makeup in front of all these people?

Carmen, sitting beside me, leaned in slightly and whispered, "You're overthinking again."

I glanced at her, trying to force a smile. "I can't help it."