Mine is the last monologue. We each had to write a performance piece that best “captured our essence” while also trying to connect to the audience. “Let them see who you really are,” Professor Nielson urges.

I decide to dress like my higher self since I believe she is my true essence. I feel radiant and empowered. I can hear the audience still humming from the last performance, which got a standing ovation. Earnell, Gabby, and Keli watch from the front row. I have heard Earnell’s larger-than-life laughter throughout the show. I imagine Gabby and Keli have been trying to quiet him down.

I can’t see them, but I know Manda Panda, Alex, Bryce, Dean Yoda, and Jennifer are also somewhere in the crowd. Even Connor came to support my artistic expression. “Wouldn’t miss it,” he says, “and will keep following you like a creep until you agree to my proposal.” Professor Alexander-Grant also comes after I bump into her on the Green. “Really great to hear you’re doing well,” she gleams. “I prayed for you.”

“I know,” I respond. “I know.”

The stage manager gives me the final cue, dropping the curtains, as the Defiance huddles around me like a football team before a big game. We’re gonna raise the roof on this one, you feel me? He pumps his palms toward the ceiling, remarkably offbeat imitating Manda Panda. Bitch, you betta go out there and snatch they wigs, OK? Thine eyes hath seen the glory, hah. Deliver them to the promised land, sister.

I mail a copy of my first-year transcript to Mr. Walsh and sign it, “Here’s me NOT flunking out of an Ivy League school.” Luke triumphs again over Darth and his dark forces, false prophets, and nonbelievers. Long may she reign.

I manage three A’s, an A-, and a B-, in Econ, of course. Keli, Earnell, Gabby, and I go back to Denny’s for our final Grand Slams. The windows, open for real this time, welcome the gentle breezes of spring and now plausibly trigger Earnell’s continued stream of tears. I just can’t believe we did it, he wails.

The curtain lifts. Showtime.

For the Keepers so loved the world

They gave all of their begotten daughters

To the realms of the living

But ain’t I a woman?

Someone told me I had to save the world

They said I had to be strong, unbreakable, superhuman to survive the madness

But who’s gonna save the girl, after she saves the world?

The Keepers permeate the room with their presence. I start to levitate from the stage, harnessed and hoisted by our stagehand. A risen Black phoenix at last. A halo of light surrounds me. It is so bright, like the tunnel, it submerges the entire audience.