The claps echoed on the walls. I could only stare into the darkness, with a smile victorious for what we have accomplished. It seemed like ages that we had practiced from days to nights. I have to say, we had performed beyond our own expectations. Everyone seemed to have risen to the occasion, far more tremendously compared to the weak rehearsals we had gone through. The stage was set, the atmosphere was ready, our faces flushed, guts wrenched hard. Even as I stared blindly, for my blurred vision beheld me from the eyes of many, I felt power. For once in my life, I felt free, to enjoy the fruits of our labour. For once, I was me. And for that I thank you, everyone.