The harsh light of morning swept through her room, she opened her eyes slowly, stretching slightly. She blinks, and remembers the importance of this day. Widening those eyes immediately, she jumped out of bed, and headed for the bathroom. After a long while, she steps out, dressed in a plain white T-shirt, and a short white skirt. Off to the dining room then, for breakfast. A simple meal, consisting of a single boiled egg, washed down by a cup of juice

9:45 am; the time has moved so quickly, the grains of sand falling away. She carried her bag, dressed immaculately for the day, and locked the door behind her.

Jurong East... train towards... these are sounds she has already tuned out. Wordlessly, she heads to her goal. Cristofori Music School. Her heart rate has started to speed up.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

The bell rang, signalling for her to enter the examination room. A kindly old man leads her down the hallway, smiling gently at her. Was her unease written so apparently all over her face? It doesn't matter now. Not at this crucial moment.

The examiner was a plump woman, short golden curls pushed back from her face, framing a wide face. She gave an easy smile and greeted her. The candidate inclined her head and murmured a greeting, fidgeting slightly.

The examiner gave the go ahead. And she started to play. Scales... some simple, so dificult. Sadly, mistakes were made. With each wrong move, she felt her hands beginning to sweat. Finally, scales were done, and she went on to her three pieces. Granted, she wasn't the best, and she did make a few mistakes, but she had hope in her heart. Aural was next, and she felt all hopes that she once had within dying. Sight-seeing was horrid, as she was totally off time.

The examiner seemed to be too happy. She began to doubt herself. Was she... was she going to... She bowed slightly, thanking the examiner. The last words she heard from the woman was: Pray hard for your results. At that casual remark, she felt her heart sinking.

hopeless
いつまでも?
なぜ?