Zara walked into Melissa's studio and found her seated, quietly observing the few students left in her class.
The shrinking number of students was obvious, but that wasn't why Zara was there.
"Teacher, I'm ready to do it. I want to do it," she announced, standing firmly in front of Melissa.
A moment of silence passed as Melissa studied her with sharp eyes, like a scientist inspecting a specimen.
"Then we have to go now. Today is the final signing day," she said, springing up from her seat.
Martin stepped forward instinctively, but Melissa stopped her.
"Keep an eye on the students."
Then she followed Zara to her car, and they drove off.
Zara felt a strange mix of nostalgia and nerves as she stepped into the building. She'd been there before—once to audition, another time for a paid collaboration. But this time felt heavier.
