The school grounds had never looked more alive. Banners fluttered like waves of color, laughter filled the air, and music pulsed from the stage where students rehearsed under the afternoon sun.
Suzanne stood at the center of it all — clipboard in one hand, paint on her cheek, and the kind of smile that only comes from pure excitement.
"Okay team!" she called out. "Final rehearsal before showtime!"
Ryan jogged over, out of breath. "You sound like a general before battle."
"I am a general," she said, straightening her imaginary uniform. "Now go fix the props before the art teacher finds out you used glitter glue again."
Mia burst out laughing. "We should put you in charge of the whole school."
"Maybe I already am," Suzanne teased, spinning the clipboard like a sword.
By evening, the crowd began to gather. Parents, teachers, and students filled the seats as the stage lights flickered on. The smell of popcorn and jasmine flowers mixed in the air, and the hum of excitement grew louder.
Backstage, Suzanne adjusted her outfit — a soft blue dress with gold ribbons that shimmered under the light. Ryan peeked in, his hair slightly messed up.
"You look… wow," he said, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck.
Suzanne laughed. "You look like someone who fought a losing battle with hairspray."
"Accurate," he admitted, grinning. "Ready to steal the show?"
"Always."
As the music started, Suzanne stepped onto the stage, her heartbeat syncing with the rhythm. The crowd clapped in time as she and her friends danced, every movement full of life, every smile real.
For those few minutes, there was no dizziness, no fear — just the rush of the music and the joy of belonging.
When the final note ended, the audience erupted in applause. The bright stage lights reflected in Suzanne's eyes like tiny stars. She bowed deeply, breathless but glowing.
Backstage, everyone hugged and laughed. "We did it!" Mia shouted. "No one tripped — not even Ryan!"
"Hey!" he protested, but Suzanne was laughing too hard to reply.
Later, after the festival ended and the lights dimmed, she sat on the empty stage, swinging her legs over the edge. The decorations fluttered softly in the breeze.
Ryan sat beside her, holding two cups of lemonade. "For the champion," he said, offering her one.
"Cheers," she said, clinking cups.
They sat in comfortable silence, watching the fairy lights twinkle.
Then Suzanne said softly, "You ever get the feeling that moments like this… don't last forever?"
Ryan looked at her, puzzled. "Maybe not. But that's what makes them special."
She smiled at that — a real, gentle smile — and leaned her head against his shoulder.
The wind picked up, rustling the curtains behind the stage. Somewhere in the distance, thunder rolled again.
Suzanne didn't notice. Her eyes had grown a little heavier than usual, her breath slightly uneven.
But she didn't say anything. Not tonight.
Because tonight, everything had been perfect — and she wasn't ready for perfection to end.