Dreams Before Family
When I was seven, my mother, a pianist, died of cancer. During her last moments, she held my hand.
“Naomi, we both share a passion for the piano. When you grow up, you must stand on the world stage and play for me someday.”
Since then, performing on the stage in Vinna had been a lifelong dream of mine.
From the age of seven, I trained long and hard, practicing more than six hours a day until my fingers and wrists were bruised.
At last, I gained recognition and earned a chance to audition for a spot in a top orchestra at twenty-one.
If I succeeded, I would perform at Vinna’s New Year’s Concert the following week.
However, my father brought home a sister, only six months younger than me.
She became the apple of my father’s eye, and my piano room was turned into her dance studio.
My brothers adored her, always personally making sure she got to school and came home safe and sound.
Even my boyfriend, whom I had known all my childhood, was dazzled by her smile. His eyes often stuck on her.
On the day of my audition, he ditched me on an overpass just to take her to her dance class.
“Naomi, all you’re missing out on is a chance to realize your dream, but Charlotte can’t be late.
“Don’t be such a drama queen. I’ll take you once I drop her off.”
As the car sped away, I calmly took out my phone and broke up with Maddox over text.
My mother was right. Boys only got in the way of dreams.