On the canvas woven from flames and the tides of memory, the old man was extremely excited. He lavished praise on Cocona, holding her singing in very high regard.
"Thank you so much for your guidance, sir!" Cocona seemed a little shy. "I never imagined such beautiful singing could come out of my throat..."
"Don't thank me. Give more credit to your own talent and hard work." Her teacher smiled. "If you want to become a singer who stands out among tens of thousands... you'll need to find a better teacher and train even harder.
"The competition in this industry is brutal. Only a handful ever get to enjoy the applause beneath the spotlight."
Her teacher's words were filled with hopes and expectations for Cocona, but at that moment, she was still young and inexperienced, and not yet ready:
"I... haven't thought that far ahead. Right now, I just enjoy singing."
Her teacher shook his head, smiling. All his hopes for the student before him turned to sunshine, filling every crease on his face. "Not ready yet? I understand... but one day, you'll have to make a choice.
"When I was your age, I missed many precious opportunities... take your teacher's advice, Cocona-cherish your talent, and don't make a decision you'll regret."
"Sir..."
"Having a dream is an even crueler thing-once it slips beyond your reach, the pain of having that dream shattered can destroy a person completely.
"Keep pushing forward, child... don't look back. You belong on a bigger, better stage."
Cocona's eyes lit up, something burning within the young woman's gaze. "I... I understand, sir! I'll do my very best."
"This is our last lesson, Cocona-I'll teach you everything I know... and hold nothing back."
This was the earliest memory.
"Well, well, an artistic girl." Mr. Tail said,