The woman introduced herself as Ms. Alvarez.
Audrey’s instructor.
I smiled politely.
“I wanted to surprise her. Is she in another room?”
Ms. Alvarez’s expression changed.
She looked at me carefully.
“Mrs. Bennett, may I speak with you privately?”
My stomach tightened.
“Of course.”
She led me into a small office and closed the door.
Then she asked a question I wasn’t prepared for.
“Your daughter hasn’t told you what’s been happening, has she?”
I stared at her.
“What do you mean?”
Ms. Alvarez looked concerned.
“Audrey hasn’t attended class in almost two weeks.”
For several seconds, I couldn’t speak.
“That can’t be right. She comes here three evenings a week.”
“Yes. She has been coming to the building, but she hasn’t participated in lessons.”
I felt my heart begin pounding.
“Why?”
The instructor hesitated.
“She told us her parents didn’t think she was talented enough to continue.”
I stared
