Center Stage Cue

A grand cue was waiting just past the doorframe—a thick black cord snaking across the floorboards to a hefty, round clicker. Foot switch! Pure theatrical machinery, practically begging for an entrance. Naturally, a star doesn't tiptoe around cues; I marched straight up, planted both boots on that dome, and gave a jaunty, wholehearted leap. Click-clack! Overhead, a burst of amber light flared, cutting a sharp, blazing beam across the dark parquet. I froze right in the glow, hands thrown wide and grin set firm, watching dust motes whirl down like opening-night confetti. Perfect timing.