K in the Alphabet Soup

Kati e loved her bedroom, which was tucked away on the third floor—technically the attic—but she didn't care.

Her mother and grandmother had hung lace curtains on the window and made her a soft pink bedspread with ruffles that fluttered when the breeze came through.

She had a white dresser with hand-painted flowers and a giant mirror that made her feel like a star whenever she danced and sang.

But her favorite part?

The two pink shelves her father had built just for her were the perfect stage for her audience—two neat rows of her favorite friends, squeezable, soft, and forever friendly.

Katie loved to sing, but only when no one was listening — except maybe her stuffed animals, her cat, and sometimes her milk and cookies. Every night, tucked safely away in her bedroom, she performed sold-out concerts for the crowd while they all sat on the shelves, smiling and listening. And Tabitha, her white Angora cat, lapped milk from Katie's glass.

*****

One day after school, Katie noticed a group of students gathered around the bulletin board. Curious, she joined them to see what the excitement was about.

"Look, Katie!" Sara, her best friend, shouted. "The school's going to have a Karaoke Night! Doesn't that sound like fun?"

Katie shrugged. "I guess if you like to sing."

Sara laughed and grabbed her shoulders. "Who doesn't like to sing? I've heard you at church—I know you love it!"

Katie's eyes widened. "You heard me sing?"

"Of course! You've got a beautiful voice. I wish I sounded like that." Sara dug through her book bag and pulled out a pencil. "Come on, let's sign up!"

Katie shook her head. "You go ahead."

Sara signed her name and handed Katie the pencil. "Here—just write yours down. It's going to be so fun."

Katie's stomach flipped. It definitely didn't sound like fun. Instead of taking the pencil, she gave a quick wave. "I've got to get home. My grandmother's coming today."

As she hurried down the hall, Sara watched her go and then returned to the sign-up sheet. Smiling, she wrote Katie's name. She'd convince her, somehow.

*****

But, no matter how much Sara tried to talk her into it, Katie refused to agree to sing. So, the night of the show, she came just to cheer on her friends.

She clapped and smiled and thought she could enjoy the show from the safety of her seat. But as the lights dimmed, and the music played, she couldn't help but imagine—just for a moment— standing on stage, bright lights shining, singing one of her favorite songs.

She could hear the music. She could feel her spirit soar. For a second, she felt like a star. Until—

A hand touched her arm. "Katie," said Ms. Jackson. "Come with me backstage. It's almost your turn."

Katie's eyes widened. "But Ms. Jackson, I didn't sign up —"

But Ms. Jackson, already rushing on a tight schedule, didn't wait. "Come on, Katie. We've got to hurry."

Frozen and unsure, Katie slipped from her seat and followed her teacher toward the stairs — to the waiting area behind the curtains.

She wanted to run, but her teacher had told her to stay right there. Katie peeked between the curtains. The gym was suddenly far too big. And the audience looked like a sea of eyes — scary monsters in the night.

Before she knew what was happening, Ms. Jackson placed a mic in her hands and gently pushed her toward the stage. "Go on, Katie. It's your turn."

She shuffled forward a few feet and then paused. Her heart was beating louder than any drum she'd ever heard. She took a step backward and then one more.

Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice — her brother. "Katie, your audience awaits."

 Tears welled in her eyes. "I can't do it. Max. I forgot the words, and my throat's too dry?" 

Max lifted Mr. Pickles, Katie's lucky bear, and, in a squeaky voice, he pretended to talk, "You can do this, kid. There's nothing to it. It's just another night like in your bedroom."

Katie shifted her gaze to Max. "You've heard me sing. I didn't —"

"I'm one of your favorite fans, Katie. I've sat outside your door many times. Your voice is great."

"Max, I can't —" Katie searched for a way to escape.

"You can! Just focus on the front row and give it all you've got. Mr. Pickles and I will be sitting right there." He turned and rushed down the stairs.

Ms. Jackson called her name again.

Trembling, Katie walked on stage. She looked out at the crowd. Everyone was waiting, but her voice had disappeared. Then, as promised, Max shouted from the front row. "You've got this, Katie. Sing your heart out."

Her eyes focused on Max, and then she couldn't help but smile. Sitting beside him were her favorite stuffed animals. Each sat upright in the first row of chairs. She saw Mr. Pickles, Mopsy, the long-eared rabbit, Flash, the Rainbow Dog, and one-eyed Sir Meow.

Katie's eyes filled with tears. Max gave her a thumbs-up. Each of the stuffed animals encouraged her in their own way. She took a deep breath, and the music began. She sang the first line. Then the second. Her voice wobbled but didn't break.

By the chorus, something amazing happened — her fear vanished. She sang — her heart swelling with each note — until she sang the whole song. To her animals. To Max. And maybe—just maybe—to everyone else, too.

When she finished, there was a beat of silence. Then, the gym exploded in applause. Kids jumped up, teachers clapped, and even the principal gave her a thumbs-up. The parents were on their feet, cheering and smiling with pride.

Backstage, Max gave her the biggest hug.

"You were awesome," he whispered.

Katie grinned and hugged him back.  "Couldn't have done it without Mr. Pickles and the gang." She lifted her eyes to meet his. "And especially without my big brother."

Katie had sung her heart out for everyone in school, but she'd found her voice, with all its glory, for someone who already believed in her. As her friends rushed to congratulate her, she whispered, "Thanks, Max."

He smiled, still holding Mr. Pickles. "Any time."