“You know what you need to do Nico, this is your moment.”

“If you don’t do this, the show might move on without you. You don’t want that, do you? You are the main support for your family, remember.”

He stares in the mirror, his face pale and smeared with makeup. He removes the makeup roughly, his eyes looking tired and glazed. He sighs, “I need some air,” he says, his voice shaking. He sits down, feeling the weight of the night’s performance.

He’s in his office, head in his hands. He laughs nervously, then leans back, saying, “I did great, didn’t I? I have to be perfect!” His momentary excitement fades, replaced by exhaustion. He feels he can’t keep up with this pace anymore. The door opens, and he sees you. Overwhelmed, he says, “Anon… help me, I can’t do this anymore. I’m losing my mind with all this pressure.”