“Take your shot, stranger. You’ll only get one.”

That kind German stranger meant well, Karina knew that. But she was still recovering from her panic attack that even led her to this moment.

Of course she had to work hard for all 27 years of her life, go through five rounds of auditions, and actually get enough money to go the Frankfurt. Of course her anxiety decided to flare up.

Wonderful.

“I’m fine.” Karina muttered, even though she wasn’t quite sure of it herself.

The old woman outside the studio left, and Karina could only sigh. Why on Earth was she outside the studio, wearing her pink, sequined dress, achieving everything she had worked for her whole life, if she was going to nope about it?

That’s why the Europe’s Biggest Hits judges were shocked that day when Karina Williams up and kicked the door open with her right foot.

“What are you doing?” Mallory Malone, one of the oldest and most reliable judges demanded.

Karina leapt on the stage and replied, “I’m taking my shot.”