Mia was standing in the dressing room, warming up her voice and going through the routine in her head. She wanted to shut out the thoughts of her guest. It was go-time, and she needed to focus.

“Mia, you’re on!” The stagehand yelled.

Carrie took her hand. “Go out there and blow their minds. You got this.”

The show announcer boasted, “How was that last performance? This is a great show tonight, right folks! Now. Coming to the Glass stage for the first time as a headlining act, Miss Anastasia Wild!

The stage lights went down, making the place completely dark. Mia walked onto the dimmed stage taking a calming...