one day before the day

"Mum, where is my Miss World costume? I need to practice hard... Mum, are you listening or not? Oh God, I am so nervous! Could you bring me some water, please?" Arina's voice quivered with anxiety.

"Calm down, kiddo. Look at yourself—you’re looking so stressed. But I have something for you." Her mother smiled warmly as she reached into her bag and pulled out a shining royal crown, placing it gently on Arina's head.

"Thank you so much, Mumma. This is precious. I love you!" Arina exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy.

"I love you too, kiddo. Now, dinner is ready. Go and have your meal," her mother replied, guiding her toward the kitchen.

"Alright, Mum."

After dinner, Arina's exhaustion caught up with her. "Mum, I’m tired. I’m going to bed. Good night."

"Good night, sweetheart," her mother replied, giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead.

Lying in bed, Arina couldn’t stop her mind from racing. She practiced her routine in her head over thirty times, but the confidence still eluded her. "I’m just six years old. How can I walk like a model?" she whispered to herself. "I know it’s just a ramp show, but I have to give my best. After all, he will be there. I can't embarrass myself in front of him. Oh God, please help me! Relax, Arina, relax..."

Despite her nerves, excitement bubbled up inside her. "Apart from the nerves, I’m so excited for my dress! A cute little Miss World—wow. This would never have been my dream because it’s beyond my imagination. Well, I like this, but now I have to sleep. Good night, see you tomorrow."

With that, Arina closed her eyes, clutching the precious crown, and drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the big day ahead.

Arina woke up early, her excitement barely contained. Her mother dressed her in a stunning white, shiny gown. She looked so pretty that her dad, still groggy, was fully awake the moment he saw her.

"Wow, Arina, you look like a princess," he said, smiling proudly.

The driver was already waiting to take her to school. In her hurry, Arina turned to her mother. "Don’t be late, Mum! Remember, my performance is at 11:30 at the school annual function. Okay, bye Mumma!"

"Best of luck, kiddo!" her mother called out, waving as Arina hurried to the car.

As the car drove off, Arina's thoughts drifted to him. "Will he like me in this costume?" she wondered. "I wonder how he looks in his cute bunny costume. He must look funny," she giggled to herself.

On the way, she spotted him at a zebra crossing. Her heart skipped a beat, and without thinking, she quickly bowed her head, hiding from him. Moments later, she questioned her reaction. "Why did I do that?" she thought, confused and clueless about her own actions.

Lost in her thoughts, she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness about the day ahead. Her mind raced with images of the performance, the costumes, and the hope that everything would go perfectly.

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