Ichika Matsumoto Pov [verified] -

I walk onto the stage. The lights are blinding. The panel of judges is a dark, faceless wall. I cannot see my mother in the audience, but I feel her. She is the pressure drop before a storm.

When I finish, my arm is shaking. Sweat drips down my temple. I look at the panel. They are leaning forward, their faces strange. Not displeased. Confused. Alarmed, even. ichika matsumoto pov

I lower my violin.