The Rush of Piccadilly Circus.
I’m just trying to figure out how to function in this chaos. The bustling streets of London are all I’ve ever dreamed, but it’s a different type of chaos than that in New York. Well, that’s imaginable given that they drive on the wrong side of the road. As I half jog up the steps of the Underground, I am only able to take in a brief glimpse of Piccadilly Circus before my mind is whisked away with the crowd, transitioning into survival mode. There’s nothing like the presence of other people to trigger that fight or flight response.
As I try to move out of the way, my original goal comes to mind. Get to the Criterion. My whole life I’ve been dreaming about the day I could perform in this iconic London theater. I don’t think I’ll ever be the star of the show, but I’m happy to just play smaller roles. I jumped at the opportunity to perform in London, and the fact that it’s to play Liesl in the Sound of Music sweetened the deal. However, there is one thing standing in the way of me getting to that stage. Or should I say about 50 moving bodies? Oh how I miss my older sister to lead the way for me. I never had to worry when we traveled together, all I had to do was follow her. I gritted my teeth and started towards the crosswalk. Dodging and weaving between people, I tried to walk confidently. “Walk with a purpose,” my sister always says. I think I managed to cut off about ten different people, but I can’t worry about that, I just need to get out of this crowd. I was through the first crosswalk, and I gave myself a fraction of a second to mentally pat myself on the back. Go me for being able to walk across a street! As I proceed to the second crosswalk, I make stiff, small movements. I try to stay out of people’s way while also trying to maintain my position in the queue waiting to cross the street. I walked with confidence across the bustling street, and discovered my sister was right, that walking with a purpose did make it easier to get through a crowd.
Before I know it, I’m right in front of the doors. I take a moment and soak it in. I am about to perform at the Criterion. Everything I’ve ever dreamed is about to come true: living in London, performing for a live audience every night. The exhilaration of navigating the controlled chaos of London is the perfect picture of what an American girl imagines for her dream of living abroad.
November 5, 2024 at 8:10 am
This is very well written! I love how you developed the internal conflict of self doubt and fear of the unknown while remaining open to the idea of success. She found her way in the busy city and proved to herself that she does belong despite her worries.
November 5, 2024 at 8:15 am
I like that you included excerpts of humor during the deepest moments of this “controlled chaos.” These excerpts made it seem less stressful as a reader.
November 5, 2024 at 8:31 am
The way you captured both the characters’ excitement at performing and their nervousness in the crowd was so good! I could really feel the overwhelming, yet anticipatory atmosphere through your writing!
November 5, 2024 at 11:49 am
I think you did really well demonstrating the claustrophobic environment of the London streets.