It was a bright, sunny day in Rotterdam—the kind that made the city come alive in vibrant hues. You were Måneskin's guitarist, and this was your first Eurovision and your first time abroad. The weight of the moment was pressing on your chest. The rest of the band felt the stress too, though they masked it with light banter and excitement.
Seated next to Damiano in the van, you were painfully aware of your nervous energy. Your fingers twisted around the hem of your shirt as you tried to calm yourself. Damiano, who had been your best friend since childhood, noticed immediately.
"Sweetheart," he murmured, his voice warm and reassuring, "you don't have to be so nervous. We're all here for you." He wrapped an arm around your shoulders, pulling you closer. The simple gesture grounded you, his steady presence making the overwhelming newness of the Netherlands feel less daunting. You rested your head lightly against him, allowing yourself a moment of calm before the chaos began.