Heather used the keychain, placing it gently on the machine. It wasn't like she didn't have her own keychain at home—of course she did.
But that one belonged to Miss H, and there was no way she could bring herself to use it here. That keychain wasn't for Heather. It was part of a life she was borrowing, not living.
The machine blinked green, and the door clicked open. Heather walked through.
She moved toward Manager Sheng, who was waiting just ahead.
"When you get into the audition room," he said, turning to her, "just be your best."
Heather gave a small nod.
"I know you're more than ready," he added, his voice calm but serious. "But Heather has to prove herself today."
"I got it," she said, nodding again, this time a bit firmer.
"If you get this role," Sheng continued, "you'll become one of the company's stars. And I really want that for you."
Heather looked at him. "I'll get it. I'm sure."
Sheng exhaled slowly, then paused just as they reached the large audition room doors. "I don't want to have to pull any strings with Miss H. Not on your first day."
Then, after a brief pause, he added, "Also, there's a new judge."
Heather frowned. "We went over all the judges and what they like during auditions. You didn't say anything about a new one. Who is it?"
"I have no idea," Sheng admitted. "I just heard it from Penny. And she heard it from another auditioner."
Heather's heart thudded. Still, Sheng gave her a reassuring nod.
"Just be yourself," he said. "You're good. Really good.
Heather took a deep breath, then let it out slowly.
"Good luck," he said, tapping her shoulder gently.
She turned the knob and walked into the room.
Inside, it was massive—like a theatre. The lights from the stage were bright, blinding her almost instantly. She couldn't make out any faces. Just the bright white light directly in her eyes and the deep shadows beyond it.
"Step forward," one of the judges said.
Heather raised her hand to block some of the light and took a few careful steps forward.
"Can someone reduce the lights, please?" the same voice asked.
The lights dimmed, but it was still difficult to see the people sitting behind the long judges' table.
This was Miss H's charity project. After the earthquake that happened a few weeks ago, the company had agreed to do something for the victims.
It wasn't something they did often, but when they did, it was a big deal. And it came with rewards. The performers who stood out had a chance to become one of Miss H's official stars.
Because of that, many had auditioned already.
A judge cleared his throat. "We're ready when you are."
Heather nodded. She dropped her script, took another deep breath, and stepped into the role.
"How do you keep standing when the ground beneath you shatters?"
She paused. Her eyes scanned around. As if she was trying to find something or someone that wasn't there.
"You tell yourself it's fine."
"You tell yourself it's just another storm, another wave to ride out. But how many waves do you survive before you drown?"
She took a step forward. Her voice hardened.
"It's not about strength. It's not about resilience. It's about... Remembering." Her voice trembled.
"Remembering why you stood there in the first place. Why you cared enough to fight against the tide."
By this point, the room was already quiet.
"I stood because there were people who couldn't. Because someone had to. And when the ground shakes again, because it will, I'll stand again. Even if it costs me everything."
Each word felt like it came from somewhere deep inside, as though she wasn't reciting lines but pulling from her own experiences.