“I know you are,” I replied, setting the cup down on the coffee table next to her. “But you need to take care of yourself, too. I know you’re excited, and I’m so proud of you, but don’t burn yourself out.”
She gave me a half-smile. “I’ll sleep soon. There’s just one more thing I need to finish.”
“I know, sweetie,” I said gently. “But you’re only human.”
Lily paused, looking up at me with a more serious expression. “I just… I don’t want to let anyone down, you know? It’s all happening so fast, and I don’t want to mess it up.”
I sat down beside her and placed my hand over hers. “You won’t mess it up, Lily. You’ve worked too hard for this, and I’m right here. You’ve already proven everything you need to prove.”
She looked down at her sketches, her eyes filled with a mixture of doubt and determination. “It’s just that I feel like people are watching me now. And if I fail… if I make a mistake, I’ll disappoint them.”