Joseph S. Leuth slumped nauseously in his chair. He closed his eyes and performed his deep breathing exercises, just as he had practiced many times before this night. As his heart rate began to slow down, Joseph's visualizations became clearer. He focused on the moment ahead of him - this was it, he knew. This was the day he was finally going to take the stage at the Chuckles Unlimited Comedy Club. This was the day his dream of being a stand-up comedian would be fulfilled - he hoped.
Joseph opened his eyes at the faint sound of oncoming footsteps; the sudden reappearance of the disheveled greenroom almost sent his nerves aflutter again.