"If you want to join the orchestra, your pitch still isn’t good enough."
The girl froze mid-motion, then turned toward the voice. Her eyes widened in recognition the moment she saw me.
Her eyes widened as she murmured, "Claire…"
Maybe it was the longing in her gaze, or how much she reminded me of my younger self, that made me act on impulse.
"I’ll be visiting my coach next month. Prepare in advance and I’ll guide you."
She nodded eagerly, like a child savoring an unexpected treat. Finally, she mustered the courage to add timidly, "Thank you, Miss Dawson."
From that day on, I began coaching Mia more frequently.
Gradually, her title for me evolved. First, it was Miss Dawson, then Coach Dawson and eventually, she called me Coach Claire.
However, Lennon was not pleased after another missed date.
"That girl’s talent is mediocre at best. No amount of coaching will change that."
"And today of all days. It was our anniversary and you’d rather spend it coaching her?"
At the time, I only knew Mia’s important exam was approaching.
I reassured Lennon, promising to make it up to him the next day.