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I slowed down as I noticed that a tense atmosphere surrounded the Harmonic Circus float. Several people huddled near the back corner, speaking in hushed tones to Kirk.

I knew Kirk’s dad from high school, and just a few days ago I’d bumped into them and Kirk had been beaming because he was going to play on the float. Since I didn’t see JT anywhere around, I decided to check.

“Hi. Everything okay here?”

A younger kid holding a bongo drum blurted out, “Kirk’s freaking out.”

Kirk winced from his perch on the float’s edge, his guitar across his lap, fingers twisting nervously in the strap. His face had drained of color.

“Let’s give him some space, okay?” My step forward prompted the others to back away.

“Hey, Kirk. What’s up?”

He looked up with glistening eyes. “Ethan. I… I don’t think I can do this.”

The fear in his voice echoed my recent anxieties. “Mind if I join you?”

Kirk scooted over, making room. I climbed onto the float and sat beside him, our shoulders nearly touching. His slight trembling was visible up close.

“What’s got you worried?”

“There are so many people walking by.” His voice cracked. “And the live stream… everyone will be watching. What if I mess up?”

“You know, I get nervous before big moments too.” I bumped his shoulder gently. “That speech the other day? Terrifying.”

Kirk’s eyes widened. “But you play hockey in front of thousands.”

“I can get anxious there too, wondering what will happen if I make a mistake. But put me in front of a crowd to talk? Scarier than facing any forward. There’s always a little fear when you put yourself out there for an audience.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “I guess that’s true. Usually, I just play in the store or at home and that’s easier. My friend Charlie told me he got stage fright before he played at the music festival, but I didn’t expect… This is… huge.” His fingers traced the guitar’s wood grain. “Dad says I should picture everyone in their underwear, but that’s weird. And gross.”

“That advice never worked for me either.” I turned to face him. “Want to know what I do?”

He nodded eagerly.

“Take a deep breath, counting to four.” I inhaled slowly. “Hold for four counts, then release for four.”

We breathed together until his shoulders relaxed.

“Now remember why you’re here. You love music, right?”

“Yeah.” His grip on the guitar loosened. “I practice every day. It’s what I want to do.”

“And today you’re sharing that love with others.”

“Yes.” He plucked a string. “And because it matters. Being part of Pride matters. I wanted to contribute this year.”

My phone revealed several notifications from Andre. Already past 10:45. “I have a friend here who might be able to help too. He performs professionally. Want to meet him?”

Kirk’s eyes widened. “Really?”

I messaged Dix, speaking into my phone.

Ethan: Can you ask Oscar to come to the Harmonic Circus float? It’s five floats up from where you are. Got a nervous guitarist who needs encouragement.

“Mr. Gallagher?” Jenny appeared, anxious. “Excuse me.”

I held up a finger.