The Final Check
The buzz of the crowd is a low earthquake through the concrete walls. Hana stands with her arms outstretched, a human starfish in a sequined leotard. Aya circles her slowly, checklist in hand. Showstars Hana And Aya Checked
“Knee pads?” Aya kneels and presses two fingers against Hana’s right kneecap through the fabric. Then the left. The Final Check The buzz of the crowd
They walk toward the stage. The earthquake gets louder. And when the lights blind them both, they don’t stumble. Because they checked. they don’t stumble. Because they checked.