On Emma's first day back at school, rumors spread like wildfire. Word had it that several of the old musical theater professors were practically beaming.
One notoriously grumpy theory professor, who was known for being as pleasant as a storm cloud, entered the classroom, spotted a familiar face in the front row, and smiled so wide the creases around his eyes deepened. Some students swore they saw him tear up, even muttering, "Thank God, my most talented student has returned from the dead."
But Emma? She stayed the same—humble, grounded. There was no trace of arrogance, only pure joy to be back. 'It's good to be here again,' she thought, letting the familiarity of the classroom ease her tension. She'd calculated everything—between her scholarship and her savings, she had enough to cover t
