Hailey kept trying to persuade me not to withdraw Ruby.
When I mentioned that the exercises she made Ruby do after gaining weight caused her to resist, Hailey went silent.
I knew then that Hailey was angry.
Hailey was the best teacher in town, highly skilled and very strict.
She believed that hard work and talent were equally important. Without strong willpower, you shouldn't pursue ballet.
She was strict with the kids, weighing them at every class.
If any of the kids gained weight, she would increase their exercise, both to help them slim down and to instill habits for maintaining their figure.
"If you don't want to go pro, then by all means, do what makes you comfortable. But if you want to achieve your dreams, only discipline can bring freedom."
Hailey had always said that if you chose her as a teacher, you must trust her.
She had seen many talented students fall by the wayside and knew this path was littered with quitters.
Her time was limited, and she wouldn't waste a second on students who lacked determination.
When I told her what Ruby had said, she stayed silent for a while and didn't try to convince me otherwise.
After hanging up, I smiled at Ruby.