Nina stared down at the new script in her hands, her fingers tightening around the edges. Around her, the class buzzed with excitement.
One of the older students exclaimed.
"Finally! Something original! Not that recycled garbage he always brings."
"Right? This one's actually good. I think we might have a real shot this time."
Someone else chimed in.
Nina glanced around. Everyone was smiling, flipping pages, discussing their parts like they had just been handed a key to the future.
Their joy was contagious, but it only made her chest tighten more.
She hadn't even gotten to page five, and already she could feel the panic creeping in.
Her Patron's voice echoed softly in her mind.
[Speak up, Nina. If something feels wrong, you have the right to say so.]
Nina hesitated. Her fingers twitched. She took a breath, then another, and slowly raised her hand.
Her instructor turned toward her with a cheerful smile, still riding the high of the class's enthusiasm.
