— You’re doing the right thing, girl. There are more opportunities in the capital. And if you ever want to come back, there will always be a job for you.
Uncle Andrei came to see her off at the station. As a farewell, he handed her an envelope with money.
— This is for the first little while, — he said. — And if you need more, just ask. I’m proud of you, Anechka. You’re making the right choice.
On the first of August, Anna once again boarded the train to the capital. This time with a large suitcase and a firm intention to stay in the capital for a long time. Roman met her with a bouquet of flowers and a wide smile.
— Welcome home, daughter.
The word “home” sounded unfamiliar, but pleasant. Anna was beginning to understand that the capital could truly become her home.
Preparation for the exams at the Institute of Culture began the very next day. Roman found the best tutors for his daughter: a stage speech teacher, a choreographer, and an acting coach.
— We don’t have much time, — he said, creating a study schedule. — But if you work hard, you’ll succeed.
Her days became packed to the brim. In the morning, she had stage speech lessons with Irina Pavlovna Varskaya, an honored artist who had once taught at the Institute of Culture itself. She taught Anna how to breathe correctly, trained her voice, and worked on her diction.
— You have a good natural voice, — she would say. — But you need to learn to control it, to make it an instrument of acting.
After lunch, she had an acting class with a People’s Artist. He taught her the basics of the profession: how to work with a text, how to create a character, how to feel your partner on stage.
— Acting is not just about talent, — he explained. — It’s a craft that you need to learn throughout your life. Every role is a new challenge, a new task.
In the evening, there was choreography with Svetlana Viktorovna Onikovskaya. Anna had never seriously studied dance, and these lessons were particularly difficult for her.
— An actor must have command of their body, — the choreographer would say. — Every movement must be conscious, expressive.
Roman helped his daughter prepare for the exams, selected suitable pieces for her audition, and rehearsed scenes with her.
— The main thing is not to be afraid, — he would say. — The committee will be evaluating your potential, not your readiness. Show them that you have the desire to learn and grow.
After two weeks of intensive preparation, Anna felt herself changing. She became more confident, learned to control her breathing and voice, and began to understand the basics of acting.
— You’re doing great, — Roman would say, watching her lessons. — It’s clear that you’re working with full dedication. I’m proud of you.
Every evening they would walk through the capital, and her father would show her the city: the Central Square lit up at night, the river embankments, the old capital courtyards. He told her about the history of the theater, about the great actors of the past, about how theatrical art had developed in the country.
— The theater is not just entertainment, — he would say. — It’s a way of understanding life, a way of talking to people about important things. A good actor can change the world for the better.
During these weeks, a warm, trusting relationship developed between father and daughter. Anna stopped being shy and started sharing her thoughts, doubts, and plans for the future with him.
— You know, — she said one evening, — I think Mom would be pleased. I feel her presence nearby, her support.
— Of course, she would be pleased, — Roman agreed. — Angelina always wanted the best for you. And the fact that she guided you to me speaks of her wisdom and generosity.
Uncle Andrei called every few days, asking about her exam preparation, giving advice, and providing moral support.
— Remember, — he would say, — no matter what happens in the exams, you have already achieved a lot. You found your father, found a family, discovered a new world. That’s already a victory.
On the fifteenth of August, the day of the exams arrived. Anna woke up early, feeling both excited and composed. Roman made breakfast, but she had no appetite.
— Are you nervous? — he asked…
