Mom sat down next to young Aria.
"Okay... so what is this big good news?" Mom asked, smiling brightly.
Ms. Susanna folded her hands, letting the suspense hang in the room. -I remember when I was in that moment I was biting my lower lip in anticipation, now i was dreading this moment.- "The presentation on 'People Who Changed the World'-I'm sure you remember it, Aria-was no ordinary presentation."
Young Aria leaned forward, eyes wide.
"What?!"
"It was a test," Ms. Susanna said slowly.
"A test to find students with enough presence to move an audience with just their words. Every sixth grader takes it-those who show true enthusiasm, effort, and confidence are introduced to a new path. The chosen students from all the upper grades have been representing the school. It's a tradition meant to reveal the ambition hidden in a few... and Ariana, you've proven yourself worthy."
"Worthy of what?" young Aria asked, curiosity written all over her expression.
"Worthy of being among the students who will represent our school in competitions against other schools," Ms. Susanna explained.
"It can be anything-singing, dancing, speaking... There are classes for different hobbies. Each student will be assigned one hobby to focus on for the year, and each following year you'll explore a new one. You'll train and grow until you're not just good... but truly perfect, this helps shape your creativity in every field."
Mom smiled widely as pride radiated from her.
"That's incredible! But is Ariana the only one from her grade?"
"No," the teacher replied. "She's one of the few students who have proven themselves confident and ready. Our goal is to nurture the light that already burns brightly in the chosen few and let it shine even more. But of course the decision should be made by the both of you"
Young Aria's chest rose and fell rapidly. She wanted to scream with excitement, but also freeze in fear. I felt it all-her thrill, her terror, and my own rage and despair as I watched helplessly.
Mom turned to her.
"So... what do you say, Ariana?"
The words spilled out at the same time from both of us.
"Perfect!!!"
She said it with pure joy.
I said it with terror.
"That settles it," Ms. Susanna said, smiling.
"I have a question Ms" mom said
"Sure go ahead" she replied to mom with a bright smile
"Did you call all the chosen student's parents to give them this information?" Mom asked looking serious
"Yes ma'am, because we need the parents to be informed just like you are now to avoid trouble of any sort" she explained
"Why individually? why not in a group?" Mom asked further
"Because some parents reject the offer due to personal reasons so it's better this way for security purposes" She explained better
"Okay" Mom said
"But isn't this a little unfair since we weren't aware it was a test" young Aria asked
"At this stage of growing up, we want to prepare all of you for anything," Ms. Susanna said.
"Life doesn't warn you when an opportunity appears-you either miss it or you take it."
She paused, opened a bottle of water, took a small sip, then continued.
"And remember this, Aria: as you move up through the grades, you'll face more opportunities like this... and even tougher challenges. So keep taking your tasks seriously. It will matter more than you think."
---
Mom thanked Ms Susanna as they stood up to leave. Mom and young Aria stepped into the sunlight, laughing softly. I followed, my form unseen.
Her gaze caught someone-
the boy from class.
He stood rigidly, his father yelling at him in the background. The boy didn't speak. And as if he wasn't being yelled at, he turned slowly and deliberately toward her.
Their eyes locked.
She jerked her head away and clutched Mom's hand, but I could feel the weight of his stare on her back it almost felt like he had no control over his gaze that was on her.
She started talking.
"Mom... do you know why this is happening?"
Mom tilted her head, tired but curious.
"Why, darling?"
"Because I did the presentation like Evelora. I copied everything she did when she gave a speech," Aria said proudly, and then stopped, unsure if she should be smiling.
Mom sighed, rubbing her forehead.
"That's great... but remember, baby girl -people should see you, not a copy of someone else. You're still growing. You can love her, but let your own light show too."
Aria nodded, though I could tell she wasn't really hearing every word. Her mind wandered, she imagined singing and making Mom smile...
Her lips whispered:
"Mom... Evelora always made you happy, didn't she? And... all through singing?"
Mom paused. Her face softened, then she said,
"Yes... she did. But you-you can make me happy too, Aria. By being yourself and not a copy of someone."
Young Aria blinked, processing it, a small, messy smile breaking across her face.
I felt my chest tighten. Watching her. Young Aria laughed at something mom said. I smiled, little things... little joys... I wish they were enough, but back then they could never be.