Backstage, in one of the cluttered dressing rooms, Rain stood circled by his friends and family, trying to push himself back into his shoes—back into reality. He was elated, his heart still pounding with excitement.
Sylvain, his lighting technician, came storming into the room and pushed his way to Rain, then grabbed him and lifted him right off the ground. “We rocked it!” he screamed, squeezing Rain.
Rain laughed and wiggled himself out of Sylvain’s grip. “You were flawless, Sylvain,” he said, proud that he’d had the insight to recruit students and not professionals. These kids had worked diligently with him for two months straight, never missing any meetings or rehearsals, in spite of their own school projects. “Thank you so much,” Rain said, rubbing Sylvain’s arm.
Sylvain ran a hand
