Benjamin's voice cracked in rehearsal - his solo at the school showcase. He ran offstage, hiding in the supply room behind cardboard boxes and folding chairs.
Donny found him first.
Benjamin's shoulders heaved. "I messed it up."
Donny knelt beside him. "You didn't. You were real. That's braver than perfect."
Christopher slipped in next, quiet but firm. He sat beside Benjamin and took his hand.
"You break sometimes," he said. "But so does light when it touches water. Doesn't stop it from shining."
Benjamin laughed through tears. "You two say the cheesiest things."
Donny nodded. "That's because we mean them."
They sat there - Benjamin between them, hands held, no hurry to fix anything. Only the promise: You're loved even when it cracks.
Later, Benjamin stood again. Sang softer, deeper. Not for applause. Just for the two boys waiting in the front row - hearts wide open.