With newfound determination, Caroline strode toward the balance beam. The laughter and chatter of the other girls grew louder, almost drowning out her heartbeat. She could feel their eyes on her as she approached, fueled by a mix of nerves and excitement.
“Just act confident,” she reminded herself, pretending she was one of those animated gymnasts she adored. As she stepped onto the beam, the world around her faded. This was her moment. She took a deep breath and executed her first move—a simple step forward—but it felt monumental.
The girls paused, their chatter quieting. Caroline could see surprise mingling with admiration on their faces. However, the beam was less forgiving than anticipated. She lost her balance and wobbled precariously, fighting to steady herself.
As she regained her composure, the girls broke into applause. Caroline’s cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and exhilaration. What would she do next?
Should she attempt a more difficult move to prove herself further, or should she take a moment to connect with her new peers?
