"Stage Fright"

The dim glow of the bar's neon sign cast a colorful haze over the sidewalk outside The Guild, a popular watering hole in the heart of the city. Inside, the air was thick with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. Maya Hart, a 25-year-old singer-songwriter, stood nervously backstage, adjusting her guitar strap for what felt like the hundredth time. She had played at The Guild before, but it never got any easier. As she peeked out into the crowd, her eyes landed on the bar, where Sean Boyd was expertly mixing a cocktail, his dark hair perfectly messy, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled at a customer. Maya felt a flutter in her chest, which she quickly attributed to nerves. She had always thought Sean was attractive, but she had no business thinking about that right now. She was about to go on stage. Maya took a deep breath and focused on the task at hand. She had a set to get through, and she was determined to nail it. She had written these songs, poured her heart and soul into them, and she was excited to share them with this audience. As she waited for her cue, Maya couldn't help but think about how she had ended up here. She had always loved music, had always written songs, but it wasn't until she had gone through a tough breakup that she had started playing live. It had been a way for her to process her emotions, to get them out of her system. And it had worked. She had found a sense of purpose, of passion, in music. The emcee's voice boomed through the speakers, introducing her as the next performer. Maya smiled, a bright, fake smile, and stepped out onto the stage. The spotlight blinded her for a moment, but as her eyes adjusted, she saw the crowd, a sea of faces, all looking at her, waiting for her to start. Sean, meanwhile, was watching her from behind the bar, a look of interest on his face. He had seen Maya play before, and he always enjoyed her sets. She was talented, and she had a spark, a certain energy that drew people in. He found himself smiling as she began to sing, her voice soaring through the lyrics of her first song. As Maya launched into her set, she felt herself getting into a groove. She forgot about the nerves, about Sean, about everything except the music. She lost herself in the performance, pouring her heart and soul into every note. The crowd was responsive, clapping along, singing along, and Maya felt a rush of excitement. This was what it was all about. This was why she did what she did. As she finished her set to applause, Maya felt elated. She had done it. She had gotten through her set, and it had been good. She smiled, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment, and made her way off the stage, ready to take on the rest of the night. And maybe, just maybe, grab a drink at the bar, and catch Sean's eye.