Before the audition, Toma practiced in secret. He played softly late at night so no one could hear mistakes. When his sister asked what he was working on, he snapped, “Nothing,” and slammed the piano lid. On audition day, his hands shook so much he could barely keep time. He missed notes he never missed at home. Afterward, he waited for the familiar shame. Instead, an older student stopped him and said, “I heard the musicality. Your timing will come. Want to practice together next week?” Toma almost refused out of habit. Then he pictured himself alone at the piano, shrinking the sound to fit his fear. He said, “Yeah. I do.”