Dreams – Stranger Prompts

She was born a comedian, but she didn’t realize it until high school. She was born to be on a stage in front of an audience. As early as second grade, Michele was drawn to performing. She loved watching the smiles grow on audiences’ faces and hearing laughter erupting after each joke. “I will be a comedian when I grow up!” she declared at the young age of thirteen.

    “Focus on getting an education and making money,” her dad instructed before abandoning her and her mother.

    Michele’s mother always supported her dreams. She pushed her to perform and follow her passions, but after her father left, her dreams faded. Her mother struggled to pay the bills and they were forced to move in with Michele’s grandmother. Her grandmother was severely judgemental of Michele’s dream. “You need to become a doctor or lawyer,” she scolded. “Become something!”

    Michele tried to listen to her grandmother. She graduated top of her class and was accepted into law school. She studied tirelessly and became miserable. She longed to get on stage. She wanted to entertain. She despised her classes and wanted to drop out, but knew she couldn’t. When a doctor called and informed her of her mother’s illness, she rushed home.

    Despite dealing with her mother’s failing health, Michele felt at ease. She began signing up for open mic nights and competitions. Her mother sat front row for every show, until she passed away. Her death destroyed Michele. She struggled to find passion or humor in anything. Tears replaced her jokes and apologies replaced the eruption of laughter. “Follow your dreams,” her mother instructed in her final days. “Become a comedian!”

    Michele nods, staring at herself in the mirror in front of her. “The world needs laughter!” she remembers her mother telling her. 

    Michele swallows nervously then smiles. “Five minutes,” a lady says, her head peeking into the dressing room. 

    Michele nods and a sense of confidence washes over her. “I made it, mom,” she says, looking toward the photo of Oprah on the wall. 

    Michele stands up and listens to Oprah’s voice echo into the room. Claps erupt through the stage and Michele takes a deep breath. “Please welcome award winning female comedian, Michele Freeman!” Oprah yells.

    Michele walks proudly out of her dressing room and down the hall. She walks out onto the stage and confidence shines from her brown eyes as the spotlight illuminates her flawless, caramel skin. Her hair lays perfectly curled and she is wearing a simple, yet elegant peach dress. She struts in her matching pumps and grabs ahold of the microphone as the excited crowd falls silent in anticipation of her performance.