- 9.
A warmth bloomed in my chest. I asked her
more about her situation.
く
She lived in a tiny, ten–by–ten apartment near
the music school, sending $2,000 home each
month to support her parents and younger
brother.
Even after dropping out, she clung to any
opportunity to play, to learn.
Her story mirrored my own childhood. A bold
idea took root.
Maybe I could help her.
“Emily,” I began hesitantly, “if you had the
chance, would you want to compete in the
national piano competition in four months?”
Winning meant prize money, scholarships,
even a full ride to a top music conservatory
for the gold medalist.
く
In my past life, I’d driven Lily towards that
gold medal.
Emily had outscored her in the entrance
exam. With the right training, she could easily
win.
At the mention of the competition, Emily’s
eyes flickered with hope, then dimmed.
“I…I can’t.”
“Why not?”
She explained her predicament.
The $2,000 entry fee, the cost of a
performance dress… With her $3,000 salary,
after sending $2,000 home each month, she
barely bad enough left over for rent.
く
Saving $2,000 seemed impossible.
If she didn’t place, it would be a devastating
loss.
She couldn’t take the risk.
Hearing her story, I felt a surge of relief.
If money was the only obstacle, it was no
obstacle at all.
I squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. “Emily, don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything.”
“You can come live with me. I have a spare
bedroom.”
دو
“I’m divorced. My daughter’s with her father.
It’s just mo
99 Make yourself at home
“I have a practically brand–new piano. Lily
barely used it. You can practice all you want.
99
“You can quit your job and go back to school.
I’ll pay for everything.”
Emily shook her head, eyes wide. “No, Mrs.
Miller, I couldn’t! We’re practically
strangers… you don’t have to do this…
I took her hand. “That’s true. We are
وو
strangers. So, you can just pay me back later,
when you’re a famous pianist.
99
Tears streamed down Emily’s face. “Thank
you, Mrs. Miller. Thank you. You’re an angel.
I’ll pay you back every cent.”
With my support, she was ready to give her
dream another shet She suit berich
Г
dream another shot. She quit her job at the
music school, explaining everything to her
teacher.
The teacher offered to let her continue
auditing classes for free. I shook my head and
paid for four months of tuition.
On my way home, I texted the music store
owner.
“I’ve changed my mind about selling the
piano.”
“Yes, my daughter has decided to play
again.”
“Thank you. She’s working very hard. She’s
going to win that gold medal.”
