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"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!" - Philippians 4:4
Italy, Rome. March 7, 2026.
Giovanna Rinaldi
Auditorium: Parco Della Danza
The auditorium where the performance will take place is packed with the dancers' families and of course the scouts from the dance schools. If everything goes according to plan in two and a half years' time, Mia will go to a dance school specializing in classical ballet, this school is integrated into the high school and the worst thing is that the school is in New York, I'm not prepared to be away from my daughter. Lorenzo is here, Mia told me he was coming, I didn't believe it, but here he is alone as Mia asked.
A few minutes to go, I'm so anxious for my daughter, I look over and see Mel, Mia's teacher coming towards me, I'm already desperate.
- Did something happen, Mel? - I asked as soon as she arrived at my side.
- Can you come with me, please, Giovanna?
- Of course, Giovanna. - I said and got up to follow her.
...
I followed Mel to the dressing room where the dancers had just finished getting ready, I still don't know why I'm here.
- Mel, what's going on?
- Mia. She doesn't want to dance.
- She doesn't want to dance.
- She's nervous, I think you can talk to her.
- Of course. - I went into the room where my daughter is, found her sitting on a chair and she looked like she'd been crying, I went over to her and gave her the tightest hug I could, she started crying again, I calmed her down as much as I could and when I succeeded I looked at her and said.
- What is it, child?
- I'm scared.
- Okay, it's not wrong to be scared.
- But what if I fall? What if I do something wrong? - she said trembling.
- You're incredible Mia, ballet is your passion, don't let fear guide your life, you're the bravest girl I know, the best sister in the world for our little one, you're a loving daughter, you and Aurora are everything I asked God for. Be brave to fly, Mia you are my world, and you always shine when you dance. You are love in this world that is all yours, dare to dream, and you may fall, cry, but you will get up a thousand times if you have to, because you are a warrior. I believe in you.
- You always know how to calm me down, Mom... - she spoke and smiled through her tears
- I'm your mother Mia and I'll always know what you need, my angel, never stop dreaming.
- Thank you for believing in me and choosing me...
- I'll always believe in you, I'd choose you a thousand times over because you're my daughter and you always will be, now do what you do best, dance, spin and fly darling... - I said and kissed her forehead, wiped away her tears and we smiled at each other.
- It's time Mia, are you coming? - Mel asked coming in.
- I will, thanks for bringing my mom here Mel. - Mia said and smiled at her teacher.
- I'm going back to my seat in the audience, I can't wait to see my angel. - I said and went back to my seat.
- What happened? - Lorenzo asked, visibly worried.
- Mia had a problem.
- Is she all right?
- She is now. - I said and he agreed.