It began with one clap from the back of the audience. Then another. Soon, the entire hall was on its feet, applause crashing like waves. Strangers shouted his name, cheered, whistled, cried.
The audition hall was colder than Harry had expected. His hands trembled as he clutched the worn guitar, the wood polished by years of nervous practice. He had played for friends, for family, even for strangers on subway platforms—but never like this. Never before a panel of judges whose decisions could change everything. He wasn’t … Read more