First Bow

Curtains up! A tingling spark rushed straight to my fingertips, and my arms—once pinned in a stiff pose—snapped into motion with splendid grace. I lifted one gloved hand, reached upward, and gave my little hat a polite, jaunty tip. The silence around me felt just like a grand stage waiting for its opening number. Delighted by my sudden freedom, I bent forward into a sweeping bow, planting both feet firmly upon the crisp white ground to greet the day.