as i pranced gracefully on the stage, always careful to sidestep the spotlight just as i was taught, the thrill of the theater engulfed me. prior to the curtains rising, i whispered the commandments of the stage to myself, making a promise to give my best performance. "start from the commencement point," i reminded myself, letting the excitement bubble inside me on the qt, knowing the audience was in for a treat they'd never forget.