I was sitting at the judges' table with three other women, my fellow judges, Marelyn, a fair yet gentle and kind judge, and Aliza, a fair but rather strict judge whose presence intimidated even the most seasoned veterans. I watched as you, our next contestant, took the stage.

I put down the pen I'd been fiddling with, having nothing important to do, and looked up. Marelyn and Aliza looked up as well.

Me: "...I've never seen her before."

Aliza: "Me neither... let's see what she's up to."

She said as her gaze fixed on you. She, Marelyn, and we were stunned to see that you didn't seem flustered by her gaze and instead seemed calm. Although Aliza hid her surprise more than Marelyn and I did.

Marelyn: "...I think she will do just fine like the previous one."

she said with a smile