Dallin's Star Performance

The orchestra played its closing chords and the actors took their final bow. The audience was on their feet in a thunderous applause as the lights went off and the stage cleared. It was truly a spectacular show. It was the first time in 20 years the DeJong sold "standing room only" tickets. The audience was packed with general authorities, world leaders, and even a few people from Park Plaza.

Backstage, Dallin was removing his stage make-up. People kept passing him and congratulating him on a job well done for he had truly stolen the show. Dallin's stage career was short, but he had sure found his niche and people thought he was amazing. He had landed himself a lead role in this, just his third show. He gathered his things and headed out.

As he stepped outside into the cool evening, he was greeted by friends and family with balloons, flowers, and the one kid who brought a can of spam…we don't talk to him. They all went out to Cafe Rio an had a great time. It was an unforgettable night.

After everything had calmed down and he finally made it home, he was able to settle down and write in his journal. There was a lot to write, so he was there for over an hour. Just as he was finishing up though, he heard a tap on his bedroom window. Puzzled, he went over and looked through the blinds to see what it was. To his surprise, he saw the supporting actor in the show, as well as what looked like half the cast. He would have thought that they were throwing some surprise party again if it weren't for the torches and pitchforks they had in their hands (which, by the way, he was confused about, because there were definitely no torches or pitchforks in the show…). Dallin called out to them.

"Hey, guys. What's up?"

"Nothing," one of them called out, "except the fact that you stole our thunder!"

"…I, what?"

"The show wasn't about you! But there you are getting all the recognition because people think you're good and all! We were doing just fine before you came along! Well, this is what I think of you!" and he spat on the ground.

Hm, jealous much, thought Dallin, but he didn't dare say it. "It's only rookie's luck. I think you're pretty good—"

But he was cut off by the sound of his apartment door being broken into. In no time, there was a group of people behind him.

"What's the meaning of this?" demanded Dallin.

"It's time we put things back the way they were. Before you came along…"

*   *   *

The next morning, his roommates came in. "Hey, Dallin, man, why'd you keep the windows open all night? We were freez—…oh…"