I couldn’t believe it. A casting call! For a real movie! My heart practically skipped a beat when I saw the email this morning. I knew it—I just knew it!—my big break was coming. I spent most of the day imagining myself on set, rehearsing my Oscar speech in my head.

By the time I reached the address, my nerves were buzzing. The GPS led me to... a warehouse? That was unexpected. Not exactly what I had in mind for a glamorous film set, but then again, indie films have their charm, right? Low-budget means edgy, and edgy means authentic.

I checked my reflection in the mirror one last time. My hair was perfect, and my outfit screamed leading lady—confident, yet approachable. This is it, Lola, I told myself. With a deep breath, I stepped out of the car, strutting toward the entrance like I owned the place.

Inside, the space was big. Empty, except for a few random props scattered around—a couch, some boxes, a camera on a tripod in the middle of the room. No huge set pieces, no lights, no crew. Just one guy standing by a folding table with a clipboard. He looked up when I walked in, smiling politely but... something about the way he looked at me felt off. I brushed it off. Nerves. This was probably how these things worked. It’s all about the artistic vision, after all.

“You must be here for the audition,” he said, shaking my hand. His grip was firm, too firm, but I smiled anyway. Actresses don't show nerves, Lola. He started talking about the scene—some intense role, high-stakes, perfect for someone with range. Obviously, that meant me. But when he mentioned a “restraint scene,” my stomach twisted a little.

I tried not to show it, but... restraints? He kept talking, something about how it was important to the character, how it was all safe and controlled, but I wasn’t sure if I was sold on that. Still, this could be the role. The one that proves I’m ready for something deeper, darker. The one that could launch my career.

"Wait so I have to be tied up?" I asked