Muse Magic

Everything was all set up for the concert tonight. Bob stood in the middle of the stage looking out to an empty auditorium, picturing it filled with people enjoying the music.

Bob never had the nerve to sing in front of people, and wondered how anybody could. Every time he was home alone, Bob would put on his favorite album and sing along with every song.

He cautiously scanned the hall as he took the microphone out of its holder. Bob shut his eye and began to sing his favorite song. He abruptly stopped when he heard a guitar being strummed, behind him. He turned to see his buddy, Steve, and the lead singer of the band, with a surprised look on his face.

“I didn’t know you could sing,” Steve said. “Why’d you stop?”

Looking embarrassed, “Stage fright. Can’t sing in front of anybody,” emphasizing the last word.

“Dude, you have to sing like no one is watching.”

“I do that when I’m home,” Bob gives a cryptic smile. “But when I know someone is watching, I panic.”

“Okay,” Steve backed up to where Bob couldn’t see him. “Shut your eyes, and pretend you’re listening to an instrumental of that song. And just let go.”

Bob wasn’t sure, but agreed to try. He took a deep breath, and belted out In My Life like he was by himself at home. Half way through the song he opened his eyes to see the other three members of the band sitting in the third row, but kept on singing.

They clapped, and cheered when Bob finished.

“You did it,” Steve gave him a bear hug that lifted him off the ground.

Steve invited him to sing that song during the concert. Bob received a standing ovation when he finished, and all of his stage fright disappeared.