Elena smiled. "I think you are the most talented young musician I've ever met. I think you have abilities that Marcus Sterling can't even imagine. But I also know that this challenge will be extremely difficult and stressful. I don't want you to feel like you have to prove yourself to anyone."
Maya thought about her father. She remembered him telling her that music was the most powerful thing in the world. She remembered him saying that she had magic in her fingers.
"I want to do it," Maya said suddenly.
Elena looked surprised. "Are you sure? We can take some time to think about it."
"No," Maya said firmly. "I want to accept Marcus Sterling's challenge. I want to show him and everyone else that talent doesn't disappear just because you've been through hard times. I want to prove that my father's daughter is strong enough to handle anything."
Elena stood up and hugged Maya. "I'm proud of you for being so brave. But remember, no matter what happens, you are already a success. You've survived things that would have broken many people. You've kept your musical gift alive through the worst circumstances. Nothing Marcus Sterling says can change that."
Maya hugged Elena back. "Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for giving me this chance."
That evening, Maya practiced until very late. She played pieces by all the composers that might be on the challenge. She worked on her technique and her speed. She prepared her mind and her fingers for the test that was coming.
Elena made phone calls to arrange the details of the challenge. She spoke to the other faculty members at the conservatory who supported Maya. She made sure that the judging would be fair, even if Marcus Sterling was trying to make the challenge impossible.
As Maya fell asleep that night, she thought about the week ahead. She was nervous, but also excited. This was her chance to fight for her future. This was her chance to honor her father's memory. This was her chance to prove that she belonged in the world of serious music.
Maya didn't know exactly what pieces Marcus Sterling would choose for her, but she knew one thing for certain: she was going to give everything she had to this challenge. She was going to show the world what Maya Chen could do.
Monday morning arrived gray and rainy. Maya woke up at 6:00. Even though her audition was not until noon, she was too nervous to sleep anymore. Her stomach felt twisted with worry, but she forced herself to eat the breakfast that Elena had prepared for her.