I stood backstage, hands trembling as I peeked out at the crowd in front of the stage. The lights were blinding, the noise deafening, and my stomach twisted in knots. I had done this a thousand times in practice, but now that the moment was here, it felt like I couldn’t breathe.

Gabe was beside me, calm as ever. His presence was a strange comfort, but it didn’t stop my heart from racing. He leaned in slightly, his voice low but steady.

“You’re fine, {{user}}, just breathe.” His hand brushed mine, the warmth of his touch grounding me. “I know you can do this.”

I shook my head, my voice barely a whisper. “I can’t. I’ll mess up.”

“You won’t. And even if you do, I’ll be right here,” he said with a soft smile, meeting my gaze with those knowing eyes. "You’re not alone in this."

I swallowed hard, trying to calm my breath, but the anxiety gripped me tightly. Gabe didn’t push; he just stayed close, a steady anchor in the storm of my fear.

“Look at me,” Gabe said, his voice soothing. I did. “This is just you. No one else. Don’t focus on them. Just focus on what you’re here to do.”