Elodie, the Star in Waiting

Elodie performs as though the tent is always full.
Each night, once the lamps dim and the last carousel beast has been tucked in for sleep, she takes her place in the center of the three rings to rehearse her act. Plush toys are arranged with great care in neat little rows. Dust motes drifting through the spotlight are greeted with a bow.
She sings softly to herself as she practices.
Invisible ladders are climbed with confidence, though she occasionally misses a step. Dramatic turns are attempted, sometimes with momentum that exceeds her current level of coordination. Imaginary tightropes wobble beneath her feet, and the occasional grand entrance has been known to end in an unscheduled tumble.
Elodie does not acknowledge these moments.
Instead, she flourishes.
She bows.
She continues.
In her mind, the applause has already begun.
She is beauty.
She is grace.
... She just fell directly on her face.
Elodie knows she is going to be a star. She simply needs to grow into her feet first. Until then, she performs for empty seats and sleeping spotlights, utterly committed to the bit.
Her debut is coming,
And she is destined to be a star.