Ms. Crane stood.
“If everyone has opinions, perhaps everyone wants to stay another hour.”
Groans rippled through the choir.
Several students looked at Lily.
The blame shifted instantly.
Her face burned.
Ms. Crane pointed at the piano.
“One last time.”
Lily tried.
No sound came out.
The director’s expression hardened.
“So dramatic.”
Lily covered her mouth.
A woman entered from backstage.
Mrs. Reyes, the school nurse.
“I’ve been looking for Lily.”
Ms. Crane frowned.
“We’re rehearsing.”
“Her mother called.”
Lily looked up.
Mrs. Reyes walked closer.
“She was instructed not to sing today.”
Ms. Crane folded her arms.
“That isn’t what Lily told me.”
Lily stared at the floor.
The nurse crouched beside her.
“Why did you come?”
Lily whispered, “I didn’t want to lose the solo.”
Mrs. Reyes looked at the director.
“Did you tell her she would?”
