Almost is never enough { Summer & Tristan }
He was leaning against his desk located at the front of the class explaining the details of an assessment. Upon his arrival, he took note of his students, trying to understand their abilities and ambitions. The first few classes he had asked for introductions - learning their names and instruments - before proceeding into letting the students have their free time to play to observe their talents. However, it was not so easy having the sounds of their instruments clashing with one another. Now here he was, writing the deliverables on the board as he spoke, "It's an individual assessment that will take place next Friday. Don't stress too much about it 'cause it's worth ten percent." Facing the class once again, "We'll be doing another one of these in the middle of the year as well at the end of the year to test your improvement. So, this first task is to show me the best of your current ability."
Prior to the assessment day, students had taken extra time to practice, asking him for pointers. On a few occasions noting a student hovering outside the practice rooms as he listened to his own student play. At that point he had not taken curiosity to their actions. He was more absorbed into understanding the doubts of his students whilst reminding them he had not set a bar as both student and teacher were starting off on a clean slate.
Walking into the class on the day of the assessment, he said his words of encouragement before seating himself down and becoming part of the audience as the students performed. He tired not to come off as intimidating as he scribbled down notes while analysing their movements, also often scanning his eyes over the rest of the class to observe their reactions. The period was coming to a close, and it was one of the last performances, his eyes caught the figure of a female student watching from the window. Knitting his eyebrows together, he was sure he had seen her before, but could not pinpoint where.
The class coming to a close, he praised the performances before exiting the room ahead of his students. Scanning the hallways, his eyes lands on a girl retreating, "Excuse me," he called out to her, jogging to catch up with her. Stopping before her, he smiled gently, "caught you." A soft chuckle escaping his lips, "Do you play?" The question was abrupt, but he could not contain his curiosity; hinting if she had any musical talent. He realised her presence at the multiple practice sessions in wonder if he had spoiled her regular routine.