‘I know! She spotted that single seat in the front row and she was like a vulture. Like, thanks, Mum, don’t worry about us.’

The crowd around them started to quieten down as a teacher took to the stage to introduce the first act — the Year Four choir from Gordon East Public School performing ‘A Million Dreams’.

Oh! thought Mimi, I like this song! She and Tara had watched The Greatest Showman together three times after it came out on digital. Mimi settled into her seat to enjoy the song along with her pleasant buzz. The Year Four choir was followed up by two Year Six girls from St Thomas performing a liturgical dance, then the Sacred Heart marching band (who marched in place on the stage).

Mimi sat through most of it with her eyelids gently drooping as she waited for Tara’s turn.

‘Next up, North Sydney Public School ballroom dancers dancing to “A Million Dreams”.’

Lovely, her favourite song again.

‘And now we have the Fort Street Public School swing band performing “A Million Dreams”.’

This time there was a quiet tittering from the audience. By the fourth time the same song was announced, the parents laughed raucously and Mimi had stopped feeling so fond of it. Her thighs were sticky with sweat and she kept shifting uncomfortably in her seat.

Finally, it was Mowbray Public School’s turn and the Year Three band set up on the stage. Mimi sat up straighter and tried to spot Tara, but she was barely visible at the back of the stage. However, Mimi did make sure to tune her ears specifically into the triangle and noted that Tara did a fabulous job dinging it rhythmically. She’d have to congratulate her on her timing later on.

When Tara’s band cleared the stage, Mimi wondered if it would be entirely inappropriate for them to sneak out and wait outside rather than watch the rest of the show. She was considering suggesting it to Pete when she heard a familiar name being announced.

‘Now we have Callie Lewis and Jordan Zhang from Redmond High performing a duet of “Shallow”.’

Mimi turned to look at Pete. ‘What the hell?’

He looked as surprised as she did. ‘There’s not another Callie Lewis at Redmond is there?’ he asked.

She shook her head. ‘I highly doubt it.’

They watched as their daughter and a young boy walked onto the stage and stood in the middle under a spotlight.

Mimi’s stomach was somersaulting; Callie hadn’t sung in public in years. Mimi had always adored the sound of her voice. She’d been so disappointed when Callie had said she didn’t want to try out for the school musical in Year Eight. As had the drama teacher who’d been counting on her for one of the main roles.

When had she decided to perform in public again? And why hadn’t she told them she’d be doing this?