Elena took Maya's hand. "If you don't pass the challenge, Marcus Sterling will block your application to the conservatory. And his opinion carries a lot of weight at other schools, too; it would be very difficult to get into any top music program."
"And if I succeed?"
"If you pass all five days of the challenge, Marcus Sterling has promised to personally recommend you for a full scholarship to the conservatory. A full scholarship, Maya! That means free tuition, free room and board—everything."
Maya felt her heart racing. A full scholarship to one of the best music schools in the country! It was everything she had ever dreamed of. But the challenge seemed so difficult, almost impossible.
"What kind of pieces would I have to learn?" Maya asked.
Elena pulled out another paper. "Marcus Sterling hasn't told us exactly what pieces he'll choose, but he said they will be at an advanced level: Bach, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff—that level of difficulty."
Maya knew those composers well. Their music was beautiful, but very challenging. Even when she was studying at the conservatory full-time, it would take her weeks to learn pieces by those composers properly.
"When would I have to start?" Maya asked.
"Next Monday. If you decide to accept the challenge."
Maya stood up and walked to the window. She looked out at Elena's garden, where flowers were blooming in the spring sunshine. Six months ago, she had been sleeping outside in the cold. Now she had a chance to get into one of the best music schools in the world, but she had to risk everything to get it.
"Maya," Elena said gently. "You don't have to do this. This challenge is not fair; it's designed to be nearly impossible. We can try to get you into other schools—less prestigious ones that might be more willing to overlook your situation."
Maya turned back to Elena. "But you think I can do it, don't you?"