Chapter 15: Turning Points and Crossroads
916 Words
The morning after her victory, Elara awoke before dawn. She lay in her narrow dorm bed, the silver medal heavy against her chest, and watched the London sky shift from ink to pale gray. Across town, the city stirred: distant buses, the clatter of cellars preparing breakfast, faint church bells. For a moment, she felt untethered—victorious, yes, but also stranded between what was and what could be.
An Unexpected Offer
Her first class was a seminar on advanced performance practice. As she entered the wood-paneled room, Professor Dawkins rose from the lectern, clearing his throat.
“Elara, a word?”
She followed him into a small antechamber. His expression was serious.
“I’ve recommended you for an internship with the London Symphony Orchestra’s young artist program,” he said quietly. “They audition next week. It’s a rare opportunity—and it comes with a modest stipend and access to mentorship with principal players.”
Elara’s heart thundered. “Are you serious?”
He nodded. “You’ve proven you belong on bigger stages. This could launch your career.”
Tears pricked her eyes. “Thank you, Maestro. I—I’ll prepare immediately.”
As she left, Professor Dawkins called after her, “Balance ambition with patience. Don’t lose yourself chasing shadows.”
Leo’s Proposal
That evening, Leo arrived at her door with two cups of tea and a letter in his hand.
“I got an offer,” he said, voice hesitant. “A teaching fellowship at Blythewood Conservatory, back in New York. We start next term.”
Elara’s breath caught. “You’ll leave?”
He nodded. “It’s a great position—steady, respected. I could earn a living, build my résumé. And visit you during breaks.”
She looked down at her tea, suddenly cold. “I’ve got the Symphony audition next week.”
Leo took her hand. “This is our moment. We’ve got a future together—if we make it work.”
Elara’s chest tightened. She wanted to ask him to stay. She wanted to ask him to be her backbone. But she couldn’t find the words.
Instead she whispered, “I need to think.”
Pressure from Home
Later that night, Elara video-called her parents. Her mother’s face filled the small screen, lined with concern.
“Honey, winning that competition was wonderful,” her mother said. “But an internship and a teaching job—both in different countries? Have you thought about stability? Loan payments?”
Her father leaned in. “We’re proud, but life isn’t just music. You need insurance, savings. When will you settle down?”
Elara’s throat tightened. “I know,” she said softly. “But music is what I love.”
Her mother sighed. “We worry. Promise us you’ll have a plan.”
Elara nodded, forcing a smile she didn’t feel. “I promise.”
Emily’s Alliance
The next morning, Emily appeared outside Elara’s practice room, holding two coffees.
“I heard about the Symphony audition,” she said, handing over a latte. “Congratulations.”
Elara took it warily. “Thank you.”
Emily glanced at the paper cup. “I’m also auditioning—for a concerto competition in Vienna. If we both make it, we could collaborate on tour.”
Elara hesitated. Emily’s offer felt sincere—perhaps it was a truce, or another test.
“I—would you really do that?” Elara asked.
Emily smiled—genuine this time. “We’re both survivors. Let’s help each other, not sabotage.”
Elara smiled back, a fragile warmth in her chest. “I’d like that.”
Late-Night Practice
That night, Elara played in the near-empty recital hall. The piano’s echo filled the space as she worked through complex études and orchestral reductions for her upcoming audition. Every phrase haunted her: Leo’s proposal, her parents’ warnings, the Symphony’s promise, Emily’s alliance—each pulled her in a different direction.
Mid-practice, she paused and pressed her palm to the engraved locket Leo had given her. She thought of his steady faith and her own restless ambition. Music had carried her this far—but now it demanded choices she was unprepared to make.
A Moment of Clarity
Dawn found her sitting on the ledge of the Thames embankment, legs dangling over the water. The river glowed silver under the rising sun. She closed her eyes and inhaled the damp morning air.
She remembered Finn’s words: “Remember why you started.”
She remembered her own vow: “I will never let myself be broken again.”
Her phone buzzed. A text from Leo: “Thinking of you. Whatever you choose, I’m proud.”
Tears slid down her cheeks—not of sadness, but release. She typed back: “Let’s talk. In person.”
She slipped the phone away and gazed at the river. Ahead lay Symphony auditions, a teaching fellowship, a concerto competition in Vienna, and a relationship stretched across continents.
But she knew one thing: this was her destiny to shape.
Cliffhanger
Back in her dorm, Elara opened her music desk and pulled out three envelopes:
LSO Young Artist Audition – Deadline tomorrow.
Blythewood Fellowship Acceptance – Leo’s offer.
Vienna Concerto Application – Emily’s proposal.
She stared at them, trembling fingers hovering. The future lay in her hands—each letter a different path.
She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and whispered, “To the next note.”
Then, with resolve, she reached for the first envelope.
- Writer
