HAD

I had put so much into that thought. I had checked my sources and ran through the different lines to use. I had rough drafted the idea in my head, deciding on my certain pauses and word choices. I had nervously raised my hand, despite my shaking and shyness. I had let my words flow, stuttering over my final draft. I had offered myself to the lions, and all they did was throw me away without even a nibble.