9
A warmth spread through me. I asked Amy
more about her situation. She was from a
small town, had been a boarding student, and
now lived in a tiny apartment near the music
school. Her parents, focused on her brother,
expected her to send home $2,000 a month
from her $3,000 salary. Barely enough to
survive.
く
Even after dropping out, she clung to every
chance to play.
Her story echoed my own childhood. A daring
idea sparked in my mind.
Perhaps I could help her.
“Amy,” I said softly, “if you had the chance,
would you want to compete in the national
piano competition in four months?”
Winning the competition meant prize money,
scholarships to music schools, and the top
prize guaranteed admission to a prestigious
conservatory.
<
In my past life, I’d pushed Claire to compete,
helping her win first place. Amy had
outperformed Claire in the entrance exam.
With proper training, she could easily win.
Amy’s eyes flickered with hope, then dimmed.
“I… I can’t.”
“Why not?”
She explained her predicament. The entry fee
alone was $2,000, plus the cost of a
performance dress. After sending money
home and paying rent, she could barely save
a few hundred dollars a month. $2,000 was
an impossible sum. And if she didn’t win, it
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would be a devastating loss. She couldn’t risk
- it.
Hearing her concerns, I felt relieved. Money
problems were problems I could solve.
I squeezed her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Amy.
I’ll take care of everything.”
“You can come live with me. I have a spare
room.”
“I’m divorced. My daughter’s with her father.
It’s just me. You can make yourself at home.”
“I have a practically brand new piano. My
daughter barely touched it. You can practice
く
on that.”
“You don’t need to work. Go back to school.
I’ll cover the expenses.
وو
Amy shook her head vehemently. “No, Mrs.
Miller, I couldn’t! We’re practically strangers!
You don’t have to do this-
وو
I took her hand. “Well, if we’re strangers, then
you can just pay me back when you’re
successful.”
Tears streamed down Amy’s face.
“Thank you, Mrs. Miller! Thank you! You’re a lifesaver! I’ll pay you back every penny!”
<
With my support, she was willing to give her
dream another shot. She quit her job and
explained the situation to her teacher, who
generously allowed her to continue auditing
classes for free. I insisted on paying for her
tuition for the next four months.
On the way home, I texted the music store
owner.
“Sorry, please cancel my request to sell the
piano. I’ve changed my mind.”
“Yes, my daughter’s playing again.”
“Thank you. She’s working hard. She’s going
to win that competition.”
