Mei loved to sing, but the thought of standing alone on the stage made her knees feel wobbly. When their teacher announced a class talent show, Mei whispered to her friend DeShawn, "Maybe I'll just help with the curtains."

DeShawn shook his head. "You practiced that song every recess," he said. "People should hear it."

After school, they stayed in the classroom and practiced together. Mei sang while DeShawn tapped the beat on a desk. When she forgot a line, he smiled and started the rhythm again. Little by little, Mei's voice grew stronger.

On the day of the talent show, the room was full of families and folding chairs. Mei peeked through the curtain and almost backed away. Then DeShawn stood beside her and whispered, "Just sing the first line to me."

Mei walked to the microphone. Her voice was shaky at first, but she spotted DeShawn in the front row, nodding to the beat. She took a breath and kept going. By the last chorus, the whole room was clapping along.

When the song ended, Mei grinned so hard her cheeks hurt. She had not been alone after all.