Morning comes too soon, and the chill of the early hours seeps into my bones.
There’s a stillness to the world at this time, a momentary pause before the day begins.
With a sigh, I prepare for the town hall meeting.
The community center bustles with activity as people file in.
Faces familiar and new, all wearing the same expressions of hope and concern.
I take my place at the front, a knot of anxiety tightening in my gut.
The room quiets, all eyes on me.
I clear my throat, trying to find the right words.
“Thank you all for coming,” I begin.
My voice is steady, but inside, I’m a storm of nerves.
