#Chapter 19 Fear & Romance

DORIS I shook with stage fright. It was more anxiety than I should have. My mouth felt as dry as the desert. Being socially awkward by nature, the idea of singing in front of such a crowded club seemed unthinkable. I forced myself to sing as the band started playing, but the sound that came out made me grimace with self-awareness. Even though I was anxious, I was aware that I was off-key. The audience's response was immediate and ruthless. “Boo! Boo!” A chorus of disapproving jeers and boos pierced through the air like sharpened arrows. “Get off the stage, lady! You can’t sing!” It was a dagger to my already fragile confidence, threatening to shatter the little resolve I had left. No, Doris, I told myself. You can do it. My heartbeat pounded loud in my ears. Doubt flooded me. “Don’t doubt your abilities,” I told myself firmly. “Try again. You can do it.” “BOO!” An ugly skinhead yelled, drowning out any remnants of belief i