“You will become the brightest star, the most talented of them all. You will be noticed, and your name will appear on every poster.”
Sofia cried, burying her face in the blanket covering her father. His hand, weak but still warm, stroked her hair.
“Don’t cry, my girl, don’t. You can’t fool fate. Listen to me, please,” he whispered.
Sofia lifted her tear-streaked face. Her father spoke in a barely audible voice, as though each word was a struggle: