Dance Only With Me

After her father finally accepted her decision, Maya didn't even dare step into the living room that night to thank him. She spent the entire night wide awake, her eyes glistening with tears of joy as she gazed up at the stars. In her heart, a storm of hope was brewing. At last, her dreams had found their wings.

The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight crept through her window, Maya carefully made her bed. For the first time in her life, she walked into the kitchen with newfound confidence. Her father sat there with his usual stern face and cold demeanor. But this time, Maya did not flinch. She approached him with a warm smile and sat by his side.

Her father said nothing, quietly sipping his tea before preparing to leave. Suddenly, Maya reached out, her hands gently wrapping around his wrist.

"Thank you, Father," she whispered, her voice calm and full of gratitude.

Her father paused, his voice gruff but steady, "I hope you won't regret this. Remember… I can't go with you to the capital. If this is truly your choice, you must be ready for every hardship."

Maya's astonished eyes locked on her father's, confused yet touched. A faint smile tugged at his lips.

"Did you think I wouldn't notice you registering on my computer?"

Maya's cheeks flushed, but she raised her head, determination shining through. "I promise, I won't disappoint you… I just… I didn't want to leave with resentment between us."

"Promise me," her father said, his tone softer, "if you ever feel it's too much… you'll come back. This house will always be open to you. Just try it once, so you'll never live with regret."

A gentle smile formed on Maya's lips. She gripped his hands firmly. "I promise."

"Can I go to the lake next week for some practice?" Maya asked eagerly.

Her mother, standing nearby, answered warmly, "Only on one condition… I'll come with you. I want to see my daughter's talent with my own eyes."

Maya beamed at her mother, then glanced at her father, anxiously awaiting his response.

"Do whatever you want… just don't forget my meals. I can't stand ready-made food," her father grumbled under his breath.

Mother and daughter exchanged bright, heartfelt smiles.

After breakfast, Maya grabbed her skates and headed toward the lake with her mother. The crisp air kissed their cheeks as they walked.

By the shimmering frozen waters, Maya tied her laces. Her mother stood nervously beside her.

"Be careful… don't skate too fast… no risky moves… the ice is harder than stone… just take it slow and show your skill," her mother cautioned, concern lacing her tone.

Maya chuckled confidently. "Don't worry, Mother. I've been practicing for years. Just watch and enjoy."

"Alright… but be careful," her mother replied, though her anxious eyes lingered.

Maya stepped onto the ice, her heart brimming with determination. With each graceful spin, her mother's eyes widened in awe. Every turn drew her mother forward in worry, but seeing Maya's composure and control made her pause, a proud smile settling on her face.

When Maya finished, she skated back to her mother. Her mother clapped with joy. "That was incredible! You'll be a champion, I know it!"

Maya gave a modest smile, "Not yet… there's still so much to learn, so many techniques I haven't mastered."

Her mother beamed, "To me, you were amazing. I wish I had seen you perform before… why did you keep it from me?"

Maya's smile turned wistful. "I couldn't tell you… you always tell father everything. I wasn't ready for him to know."

Her mother sighed, "Maybe so… but now things are different. You must chase your dreams. You're not like the other girls in this village. I know you'll be someone special one day."

Maya's eyes glistened, "I know you convinced Father… you've always had my back."

Her mother smirked playfully, "Of course. I have my ways… I'll never let my daughter's dreams fade."

Days passed, and the time for departure arrived. Maya packed her belongings, fastened her grandmother's bracelet around her wrist, and hugged her mother tightly at the doorway.

"Take care of yourself, Maya. Don't trust just anyone… answer when I call or I'll be worried," her mother said, her eyes filled with love.

"I promise, Mother," Maya replied warmly.

Her father took her to the train station. Just before boarding, he handed her an envelope.

"What's this?" Maya asked.

"A credit card… your grandmother saved money for you every month. I thought it was for your wedding… but now I see it was for your future," her father said, his voice softer than usual.

Tears threatened to spill from Maya's eyes.

"Remember, if it's too hard, you can always come home. No one will judge you," he added.

Maya hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Father."

As the train moved, Maya felt excitement blooming inside her.

She watched the beautiful landscape pass by and glanced at her phone, re-watching videos of Lian Victor. Her heart raced with anticipation.

Upon reaching the capital, she took a taxi. The towering buildings and bustling crowds took her breath away.

"First time in the city?" the driver asked.

Maya smiled, "I've been here a few times."

"For the Silver House? My daughter dreams of joining there," the driver continued cheerfully.

"I'm a skater… here for an audition," Maya replied.

"Really? You don't look like a dancer!" the driver teased.

Maya chuckled softly, nerves dancing in her chest. When they arrived, she stood in awe before the magnificent structure resembling frozen icicles.

"It's even more beautiful than in the videos," she whispered to herself.

Inside, the guard directed her to a large hall bustling with elegantly dressed dancers. Some practiced gracefully; others sat waiting in quiet concentration.

Suddenly, a man stood beside her, eyes focused on the floor.

"So confident you came with luggage?" he muttered.

Maya looked up… and her heart skipped. It was Lian Victor himself.

Without sparing her a glance, Lian walked away towards the judges' table.

Maya rushed to register her name, then sat anxiously. As she watched the other talented performers, her confidence wavered. Her audition went well until the final seconds when she slipped slightly. Afterward, she changed clothes and sat with the others.

Hours passed before a voice echoed through the hall, "Lian Victor has chosen. Twenty skaters have been selected. The rest… go home and prepare for next season."

The world tilted around Maya. She held her breath as names were called… hers was not among them.

Murmurs filled the room, soon turning into loud protests.

"What? I worked for months to get here!"

"This is a joke, right?"

"Whatever… we'll just go to another studio."

"Lian Victor is overrated!"

One girl whispered with tears, "How do I tell my mother… I promised I'd get in."

Maya sat frozen, watching others leave with defeated steps. Her heart sank, her grandmother's words ringing in her ears… "You must be part of the Silver House… a student of Lian Victor… this is your destiny."

A fire reignited in her chest.

As everyone departed, Maya remained. Suddenly, she spotted Lian Victor striding past. Her legs moved before her mind could stop them.

"Mr. Victor… please, just a moment!" she called, breathless but firm. "I came from far away… please, just one chance to dance… just one more chance!"

Lian walked on, unbothered.

Desperation gripped her voice. "I can't return to my village like this… I came with dreams… my grandmother adored you… please… give me this chance."

Lian's steps faltered. Without turning, he replied, "One time… I don't have all day. Get on the ice."

Maya blinked in disbelief, hardly trusting her ears.

"Didn't you hear me? Move!" Lian's voice barked.

"Yes… yes… I'm going!" Maya stammered, scrambling to her luggage to get her outfit.

Lian's stern voice stopped her, "Why are you wasting time?"

"I was… going to change…" Maya stuttered.

"No need. Just go," Lian snapped.

Maya glanced down at her winter coat and loose pants, completely unfit for performance.

"But… like this?" she asked hesitantly.

"A real dancer doesn't hide behind costumes," Lian replied sharply, turning to leave.

Maya raised her voice, "Okay! Thank you… thank you for this chance!"

Her heart pounded… it was just one opportunity… but maybe… just maybe… it was enough to change her fate.