Jelly Bean Cookie slumped against the wall of the backstage corridor. Her performance had just ended, so she could slack all she wanted. Her performance, as always, had been a hit. The balloon puppies had bounced, the jelly bean jumps had been executed with flair, and the audience had roared. Yet, her gaze was fixed on the grand entrance to the main tent, where the silhouette of First Sprinkle Cookie, basked in the glow of a spotlight, could be seen.

A knot tightened in her chest. First Sprinkle Cookie always got the grand finale, the prime spot, the longest ovations. While Jelly Bean Cookie’s act was lively and fun, First Sprinkle Cookie’s was… momentous. Important. As if her very existence was a gift to the circus.

"Hmph," Jelly Bean Cookie huffed, kicking a stray sequin. Her balloon dog nudged her hand affectionately, but she barely registered it. "Always hogging the shine. Doesn't even have to try that hard, does she? Probably just stands there, all… sprinkly."