Addy's Big Day
Addison Barton spun in a pirouette, her frilly skirt cascading around her. Everyone clapped, and it made her smile. Today was her big day!
She was up on stage, doing her part in the talent show. She looked out in the audience for Daddy, but there were so many people! For a moment, Addy felt a little scared; all these people were watching her! But, she promised Daddy that she would make him proud.
The announcer said her name again. The music started up, her cue to take a little bow, and begin to dance. Daddy said it was okay if she tripped or stumbled. She was only five years old, after all.
She danced for the crowd, her eyes closed and listening to the tune playing over the speakers. She heard them murmuring, sounding pleased, enjoying the show. She opened her eyes once, to see if she could find her Daddy. He promised he would be there, probably in the back, but it was too hard to look with those bright lights in here eyes.
Finally, feeling tired, Addy finished her dance and the music faded away. She was almost panting, face flushed, cheeks rosy with exertion. She was the last one to perform tonight. The announcer said her name a third time -it was such a thrill- then started saying a bunch of gibberish Addy didn't understand.
Addy stood and waited for her score. Would she win the talent show? It didn't really matter, as long as she made Daddy proud. The score kept going up and up. None of the other kids in the show had gotten such high numbers!
"1400!" the announcer cried out, pointing to someone in the audience. "Going once, going twice... 1400 to number," he squinted, "number 127."
Everyone clapped, and Addy gave another bow. The nice lady from backstage came out and took her by the hand. Then, a friendly older man -he looked like someone's cheery uncle- came forward and took her other hand. She smiled up at him as he led her from the auditorium. She wondered what her prize for winning was going to be.
