Anna thought for a moment. Her heart told her to take the risk, to try a new life. But her mind advised caution.
The next day, she called her uncle Andrei. He asked her about the trip, listening carefully to all the details.
— I’m glad everything went well, — he said. — Roman has really changed. You can feel it even in our phone conversations.
— Uncle Andrei, what would Mom have done in my place?
— Your mother was a very brave woman, — he replied after a pause. — When she had to make a decision, she wasn’t afraid to take risks. I remember how she left her hometown, alone with a small child in her arms, not knowing what awaited her. That required immense courage.
— So, I should give it a try?
— I think so, yes. You have your father’s support, opportunities for growth. And if something goes wrong, you can always come back. You’re young, you have your whole life ahead of you.
Roman called every day. He talked about his work, asked about her plans, and gently tried to find out if she had changed her mind about moving to the capital.
— If you want, we can try applying for the acting program, we can submit the documents, — he said in one of their conversations.
— And what if I don’t get in?
— Then we’ll try another university. There are many good universities in the capital. The most important thing is your desire to learn and grow.
Anna thought for a long time. The theater institute seemed like an unattainable dream: what did she know about acting? But on the other hand, two days at the theater had shown her that this world greatly attracted her. In the end, she made a decision.
— Dad, I want to try to get into the Institute of Culture.
— Really? — The joy in Roman’s voice was genuine. — Then come as soon as possible. We need to prepare for the exams. I’ll find the best tutors, we’ll study every day.
— But what if it doesn’t work out?
— It will work out, — he said confidently. — You have natural talent, you have the desire. The rest is a matter of technique and preparation.
Packing for the capital took several days. Anna packed her most essential belongings, said goodbye to her friends and colleagues at the cafe. Marina Bublikova was sad to lose a good employee, but wished her luck:
