Pretty Seven - A Taste of Fame

My father is finally crying. It's been three months since I received the news, and only now is it really sinking in for him—the fact that I'm leaving and won't be back anytime soon. But he understands my decision, although he doesn't entirely agree with it. He says I'm too young, but I'm already nineteen and on the verge of becoming the next global star. The airport is crowded, and I'm not talking about the passengers, but rather because of my family and friends. My entire family is here in full force, not just my parents and sisters—my uncles, cousins, my grandparents, my grandfather's second family is also present, and everyone is in a wave of tears. I realize how much I am loved and cherished by everyone. My friends made a long banner for me, and I couldn't ask for more. Here, I have my high school friends, some from the Psychology college I decided to attend before all this happened, fellow dancers from the dance company I'm part of... they're all here. Even my cousin Larissa. It all started with her. Larissa and I are the same age. We practically grew up together, as our parents ended up sharing the house for some time. When my grandfather separated from my grandmother, she felt very lonely, so everyone decided to move into her house, a huge house with a pool, several rooms... that's how we became inseparable. Larissa discovered Kpop when she was 13, turning 14, and ended up introducing me to it as well. We became addicted and formed a cover group, which became quite famous in our city because we were really good. I fell in love with dance and started attending studios, became part of some companies and independent groups. I fell in love with dance itself, beyond Kpop, but Larissa remained very stuck on that. She was very upset when I had to step back from our group's activities to focus on other dance projects, so for a while, I managed to juggle both. Just over a year ago, she found a global audition for a new survival reality show, and they were also looking for Brazilians. She pestered me a lot to participate with her because she didn't want to go alone. In the end, I decided to go with her, even helped her train for the audition, since, unlike me, she had never been interested in taking dance classes, putting us at different levels. I knew she wouldn't pass, but I was comfortable with that because I was sure I wouldn't pass either. But three months ago, I received an email with my approval. I had been chosen as one of the six Brazilians to be part of a Korean reality show to form the next global girl group. Honestly, to this day, it hasn't sunk in. Truth be told, I wasn't even going to participate. I felt bad because Larissa was the only one really interested, and since she was quite upset, I was willing to let it go. Just being selected made me proud of myself. But over time, Larissa started to annoy me a lot, saying it must have been a mistake and that I wasn't that good to be among the top six in the country, that I would probably be eliminated in the first week, and the malicious words became heavier and heavier. I got irritated. That's why I'm here today, surrounded by people who strongly support me, even though this wasn't initially my dream. There are posters, flowers, a photo mural... I received many letters, and I didn't even know how I would manage to read everything, but I managed to stuff them all into my bag because I will read them with great care and all the world's attention. Now, I want to make it just to make all these people proud of me. "Last call for Flight 5472 to São Paulo." The announcement echoes through the airport, bringing a mix of anxiety and excitement. The voice on the loudspeaker announces the last call for Flight 5472 to São Paulo. The atmosphere around me is filled with emotions, and it's hard to ignore the look of concern in my father's eyes. My cousin Larissa, who should be sharing this moment with me, is strangely quiet. I feel her piercing gaze on me, and when our eyes meet, I notice a shadow of envy in her expression. She has always been competitive, but I never imagined that the news of my approval in the reality show would affect her like this. "Good luck, cousin. I'm sure you'll shine in Korea," Larissa says, forcing a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. The farewell is bittersweet. My family is emotional, my friends try to hide their sadness, but Larissa seems suffocated by bitterness. As I head towards the boarding gate, I see her biting her lips, struggling against the words she wants to let out. Upon reaching the gate, a mix of emotions envelops me. I am excited about the journey ahead, but I cannot ignore the tension between me and Larissa. I feel her presence behind me, like a shadow I can't shake off. "You know, I just wanted you to know that all of this could have been mine. I should be going to Korea to be part of this group, not you," she blurts out, letting out the repressed envy. I am stunned for a moment, processing her words. I didn't expect envy to transform a lifelong friendship into resentment so quickly. "Larissa, you invited me to this audition because you didn't want to go alone. I never imagined I would be chosen. It was a surprise to me too," I try to smooth the situation, but her eyes are filled with regret. "I know, I know. But now, seeing you go away to fulfill my dream..." she hesitates, but the bitterness in her voice is undeniable. Before I can respond, the loudspeaker announces once again: "Last call for Flight 5472 to São Paulo." The moment is crucial, and the words we exchange now will be engraved in memory. "Larissa, I wanted you to understand that this is a unique opportunity for me. But if you have the chance in the future, I will be the first to support you." I try to offer a truce, but her expression remains dark. She shakes her head, as if trying to rid herself of tumultuous thoughts, and finally mumbles a "good luck." I feel a lump in my throat, realizing that something has broken between us. I walk towards the boarding area, where an atmosphere of anxiety fills the air. The sound of announcements, hurried conversations, and farewells creates a unique symphony. The eyes of my family and friends follow me as I advance, but I decide not to look back. I need to maintain the determination and courage that brought me here. As I pass through the boarding gate, I see the aircraft through the window. A mix of emotions surrounds me, from the enthusiasm for the journey that begins to the melancholy of the farewell. I think about the challenges I will face, the friendships I will make, and the opportunities that will arise. Approaching the airplane door, a flight attendant smiles and checks my ticket. I glance back one more time, waving to my family and friends, who respond with waves and smiles. Swallowing hard, holding back tears, I step into the plane. The atmosphere is cozy, but the anxiety still lingers. I find my seat, settle in, and watch the airport activity through the window. The life I've known so far fades away, and a new adventure unfolds before me. The engines purr, signaling the beginning of the journey. I feel a flutter in my stomach but also a sense of freedom. The plane starts taxiing, preparing for takeoff. My thoughts soar with the aircraft, wondering how this experience will be and how it will transform my life. As the plane gains altitude, I see the city below gradually shrinking. The lights turn into bright dots, and the horizon expands. I'm on my way to an unknown destination, but I'm ready to face whatever comes. With a deep sigh, I leave longing and uncertainty behind. This is the beginning of a new chapter, and I am determined to savor every moment, learn, grow, and perhaps become the star everyone believes I can be. "Welcome aboard. Have an excellent trip," says the flight attendant, interrupting my thoughts. Inside the plane, my heart beats fast, not just from the excitement of the journey but also from the fear of the unknown. I've never flown before, and the turbulence of emotions within me is almost as intense as the plane might face in the skies. I decide to open one of the letters I brought with me. The warm words jump off the page, like hugs reaching my nervous heart. "Dear Lara, even far away, we know your wings will take you to incredible heights. We believe in you. Soar high! With love, family." Tears mix with a grateful smile. Even thousands of meters away, the connection with my family is like an anchor, keeping me strong. The plane shakes slightly, and my stomach does somersaults. I take a deep breath and reread the words of encouragement. "Stars aren't afraid of the dark." I keep that in mind as the plane gains altitude. The view from the window is stunning, but the novelty of the experience is accompanied by a sense of vulnerability. I decide to focus on the beauty of the moment and come across a golden sunset beyond the clouds. My mind calms, and the initial fear gives way to admiration. The letters, now more than ever, are like beacons guiding me through this new territory. As the plane continues its course, I remember the words from the last letter I read before boarding: "This is your moment. Shine, Lara, for you are made to fly." I keep the letter close to my heart, strengthening my determination. Throughout the flight, I find the courage to look away from the window. Instead of facing the unknown outside, I dive into the letters, into the stories shared by friends and family. They are like compasses, guiding me toward my destination, toward my dream. The emotional turbulence diminishes, and gradually, a sense of calm envelops me. For the first time, I allow myself to relax in the seat, still holding the letters like treasures. After all, I'm not alone on this journey. The dear voices, now written on paper, are my constant companions as I cross the skies toward the uncertain future. The plane, now more than a flying machine, is a vehicle of dreams and opportunities. With each passing minute, my confidence grows. I'm ready for what's to come, even if it's something as simple as landing in São Paulo, where dear friends eagerly await for the next step of this incredible adventure. After absorbing the warm words from the letters, I allow myself to relax in the seat, letting the constant hum of the engines surround me. The weariness from the journey and the tranquility of the messages lead me into a state of relaxation. I awaken with the captain's announcement about our approach to landing in São Paulo. My heart quickens with the excitement of anticipation. Through the window, I catch a glimpse of the sparkling lights of the city I've always called home. The anticipation builds as we land. I glance at the letters once more, thankful for the serenity they brought. The plane touches down, and anxiety transforms into pure excitement.