"Is everything okay?" Tamika sounds alarmed.
I step to the window and look out at the two people to whom I would gladly give a piece of myself, just as much as my career. "When did this happen?" I ask, my voice devoid of emotion. "When did my dream turn into hard-core business?"
Suddenly, my manager stands right beside me. "That's just how it goes. If you want to be successful, you have to make sacrifices." Her shrug tells me that this is normal for her. "And you do want to be successful, don't you?"
Yes, I do. Since I can remember, I've had only one goal: to prove that I am good enough.
I have about five weeks left to fight until the decisive final of the music award. A minor detail compared to the twenty-six years I have already invested in fulfilling my dream.
I can do it. No, I must do it. I owe it to myself.
Lost in thought, I nod.
"Good." Tamika grabs my arm and looks deep into my eyes. "The worst is over. Your hand is okay, and we are back on track. You can catch up. But only if you give it your all," she pleads.
She's right. My goal is within reach, so I force a smile onto my lips. "Let's get started."
