A few days later, a new sheet of paper appeared on the classroom bulletin board. "Talent Day — Share your song, story, or skill."

The children gathered in front of it, buzzing with excitement. "I'm going to tell jokes!" "I'll show a dance!" Their voices filled the classroom.

Zara glanced at the board, her heart dropping. Sing...? Singing on a stage—that was for other kids. Someone like me was meant to just watch from the sidelines.

Then the boy beside her leaned closer and whispered, "You... sing. Remember? Music." He traced a word in the air with his finger, as if copying what Zara had written in her notebook the day before. Music.

Zara froze, staring at him. No words came out. But deep in her chest, a memory stirred—the song she used to sing with Amani on the hill back home, beating on tin cans together. I wasn't afraid then. Because the song made us one.

That night, Zara stood in front of a small mirror at home. When her younger sibling looked at her with curious eyes, Zara shyly covered her face and whispered, "Shh... it's a secret."

Then, very softly, she followed along to the chorus of a K-pop song. Her pronunciation wasn't perfect, but her shoulders began to move naturally with the rhythm. Her sibling burst into laughter and clapped. "Sister! You're so good!"

Zara's face grew warm, but she couldn't hide her smile. Really... could I do it? In front of people?

Outside the window, the city lights stretched on endlessly. Gazing at them, Zara made a quiet promise to herself. Amani, this time I'll use my voice on a stage. Just like the song I promised you—maybe it can protect me here, too.