Maya's fears became reality sooner than she expected.
One afternoon, Elena came home with a serious expression on her face. Maya was practicing when she heard the front door close. Usually, Elena would come to the piano room and listen for a while. But today, Elena went straight to the kitchen.
Maya finished the piece she was playing and went to find Elena. She was sitting at the kitchen table with papers spread out in front of her.
"Elena," Maya said quietly. "Is everything okay?"
Elena looked up with a forced smile. "Sit down, Maya. We need to talk."
Maya's stomach dropped. Those words never meant anything good. She sat down across from Elena at the table.
"I've been talking to people at the Metropolitan Academy," Elena said. "That's one of the best music conservatories in the city. I told them about your talent and asked if they would consider giving you an audition."
Maya nodded. She knew about the Metropolitan Academy; it was even more prestigious than the conservatory she used to attend. "What did they say?" Maya asked, though she was afraid to hear the answer.
Elena sighed. "Most of the faculty are very interested in hearing you play. Your reputation from your previous conservatory is still remembered; several teachers spoke very highly of your past performances."
"But..." Maya said, sensing there was more.
"But there's one man who is opposing your audition. His name is Marcus Sterling. He's the head of the piano department and has a lot of influence at the school."
Maya had heard of Marcus Sterling. He was a famous music critic who wrote reviews in newspapers and magazines. He was known for being very harsh and critical.