Outstanding Graduate

Melodious violin music resounds in a golden auditorium. Students from the Missili Conservatory of Music have been gathered here today, to celebrate the retirement of their violin professor, Liz. Cynthia, though she holds an invitation, stands hesitantly in front of the tall doors and can't seem to make herself push them open.
A few years ago, she let the professor down by quitting the violin, and to this day, she still hasn't figured out how to face her old mentor.
"...That's Professor Liz's music."
As the melody flows, nostalgia washes over Cynthia. Suddenly, the past plays its familiar rhythm in her mind...
"Why are you standing there like a block of wood? Listen, I can play like this too!" The moment young Cynthia got her hands on a violin, she became an unstoppable force – chasing her poor parents around the house with what could only be called "experimental carpentry." Fortunately, her extraordinary talent soon transformed those screeching strings into beautiful melodies.
"Don't worry, Professor. First chair will be mine in a few years." After getting into a prestigious music college, Cynthia showcased all her musical gifts with unapologetic brilliance. She even made a promise to her professor, "The day you retire, I'll play a solo for you."
But life, as it often does, had other plans for her. "Professor, please... there's no need to say more. I... won't study abroad." Grief-stricken by her adoptive father's sudden passing and her mother's deteriorating health, the girl eventually turned down her mentor's kindness. At the time, she had to pour all her energy into just holding her life together. The dream of music became a beautiful indulgence she could no longer entertain...
The piece in the auditorium is nearing its end, and the violin's melody gently pulls Cynthia back from her reverie. After taking a deep breath, she pushes the doors open, her eyes immediately finding the soloist on stage. Upon seeing her favorite student, Professor Liz smiles brightly and raises her violin bow high to play the final note.
While the students of the music college gather to say their goodbyes to the professor, Cynthia watches from a distance. Memories tug at her, even as the present feels undeniably alien.
After the crowd disperses, Cynthia walks toward her professor.
"Professor, your performance is truly perfect, as always."
Liz hands Cynthia her violin wordlessly.
Surprise, joy, regret – a flood of emotions washes over Cynthia in an instant, but in the end, they give way to a sense of peace. She takes the violin to fulfill her promise, and her muscle memory stirs the moment her fingers touch the strings. A lively melody fills the auditorium again...
Just as I expected – you'll always be the perfect first chair in my heart."
"I'm sorry I let you down." Cynthia says while looking down.
"My dear, you never disappointed me." Liz says with gentle sorrow. "I'm just sad that someone as talented as you wasn't able to keep pursuing music."
A regretful silence fills the air between them.
The girl is the first to break the silence, "I've found a new path now."
"I know, Cynthia." Liz pauses. "That's the name you go by now, right? You're a rising star in the modeling world. I always told you, with the heart you have, you'd find success in whatever you pursued."
Liz hands a box of rosin to Cynthia. The girl looks down so she can't see the look on Liz's face. "Professor, I don't need this anymore."
"Dear, music finds its stage anywhere. As long as your heart is willing to follow the tunes, time will hear you echo them."
"You'll always be my most outstanding student."
Her words strike Cynthia like the first note from a bow. As she sniffs softly, the sharp scent of rosin floods her senses, carrying her regrets away like leaves on a gentle spring breeze.
After this short break, Cynthia will return to her busy and orderly life as a model.
On her way back, several students from the music college catch Cynthia's eye. Their unpracticed yet sincere grip on the bows reminds her of how she used to be when she was immersed in practicing the violin.
Cynthia smiles with relief. Although some had to put down their bows, there will always be others who keep the melodies going.
The music of the past is bittersweet and precious.
But tomorrow's music is hers to perform.