Chapter 4: Claiming My Song

"Yeah, Senior Caleb just said in his comments that this song was even better than his, so inspired."

"Now he turns around and says Natalie stole it. Isn't he just embarrassing himself?"

Caleb glanced at me, mouthing a question—do you want to keep going?

I nodded.

Why not?

"I've never been jealous just because someone else's song is better than mine," Caleb said.

"On the contrary, I appreciate it. But if it's plagiarized or stolen, no matter how good it is, it's still garbage."

"The real composer is right beside me. She is—"

He pulled the microphone away and asked me quietly for my name.

I signed my name and major to him.

"She is Lillian Grant, a sophomore majoring in music therapy, and the author of 'Heartlight.'"

As soon as they saw me sign, the audience buzzed.

"What? Someone who can't talk can write music? Are you kidding?"

"Is Senior Caleb just messing around?"

"I don't get it. Can a music therapy major write something this good? If it's true, doesn't that crush the songwriting department?"

Facing all their doubts, my heart trembled and my face flushed red.

I looked up and saw their mouths opening and closing.

Just like when the teacher called me on stage for a speech as a kid.

I opened my mouth, but couldn't make a sound.

They laughed at me, told me to get off, asked why someone who couldn't talk was giving a speech, why I didn't go to a special school.

That day, Derek ran onto the stage and held my hand tightly: "Don't be scared, Lily. You're not broken. I'll protect you."

I subconsciously searched for Derek in the crowd.

A terrible thought crept into my mind.

If he came up now, I'd go down immediately and give up claiming the song as mine.

But after looking around, I saw him standing in the audience, watching me coldly.

His eyes seemed to say: See? You didn't listen to me, and now look what happened.

I lowered my head, my eyes burning with tears.

I wanted to run away and hide, but as soon as I shifted my feet, Caleb immediately grabbed my hand.

"Don't be afraid. I'm here."

"Keep going. I'll be your voice."

The hum of the stage lights was a comfort and a threat all at once. Caleb's words steadied me, anchoring me to the moment. Even though I couldn't speak, I had never wanted to be heard more than right then. I took a deep breath, let it out slow, and looked out at that auditorium with all the courage I could gather. This was my moment, my truth, and finally, someone was willing to help me fight for it.

I stood frozen, the spotlight burning on my skin. This time, I wasn’t backing down.