Sam is an actor. Tonight is the first night of the school play. The hall is full of parents and friends.
In the middle of the scene, Sam forgets his line. His mouth opens, but nothing comes out. The other actors look at him.
Sam is good at funny voices, but he cannot remember a single word. He takes a breath and does something brave.
"I am sorry," he says in his character's voice. "I forgot my line. But I remember my secret." The audience laughs.
The scene moves again. Sam is patient with himself, and the play finishes well. He is proud of the cast.
Later, the director says, "That was courage. You did not run away." Sam smiles. It was not the line he planned, but it was the right one.
A thought to keep
A mistake can become part of the story.