Orelia pushed aside her swirling thoughts, using a few vague phrases to deflect Lila's wish. The warm atmosphere in the room returned. However, the unresolved issue hung over her head like a sword, making sleep impossible. She finally drifted off as the sky outside gradually lightened.
*****
At seven a.m., Orelia woke to the insistent blare of her alarm. Lack of sleep had left her listless, and she yawned repeatedly on her way to the dance studio.
After changing into her practice clothes, she was about to splash cold water on her face in the restroom when Annie ran towards her, beaming. "Orelia, come quickly! Ms. Baxter wants to see you."
Without waiting for a reply, Annie grabbed Orelia's arm and pulled her to the office door, practically shoving her inside.
Orelia stumbled to a
