Stage FRIGHT

She’d always dreamed of being a star, and with a fi lm crew in town, this was Carol’s big chance…

Carol was sipping her morning coffee, perusing the local paper, when she let out a scream.

David, who had been working in their home office, came rushing in with a look of concern.

‘What is it?’ he gasped. ‘Has something happened?’

Carol glanced up at her husband, her eyes sparkling.

‘Yes. Well, about to happen, anyway.’

‘Don’t be so cryptic!’ David crossed the kitchen to the fridge and took out the orange juice.

‘I heard you scream. I thought it had to be something dramatic.’

‘It is dramatic,’ replied Carol with a wry smile. David sighed as he poured himself a glass of juice.

‘There’s a big film company coming here – to our little town – to film a period drama! It’s an open casting for extras. Anyone can go along!’ ‘OK…’ said David slowly. ‘And that’s exciting because?’

Carol crossed her arms, a bemused expression on her face. ‘It’s exciting because I could be in it, of course. I could become famous!’

David almost choked on his drink. ‘Carol, is this a good idea?’ he began. ‘Don’t you remember when you joined that dance class last year? You almost broke your ankle. And when the town had their own mini Olympics? You had such high hopes of being a winner, but when you attempted the long jump, you missed the sandpit.’

But Carol wasn’t listening. Her expression was dreamy.

‘My drama teacher at school said I had potential. Imagine where I could be now if I hadn’t met you and had the kids?’

‘Thanks for that!’ said David. ‘So who’s in this movie, then?’

There was a pause and Carol chewed her bottom lip.

‘Anyone illustrious?’ he persisted. ‘Anyone, I know?’