The Piano Player After the applause died down, Maria stared at the keys on the grand piano. She lifted her right hand to strike the first note, but then she paused. She could not recall the notes that formed the music. In fact, all that came to her mind was a sweet, simple tune she learned as a child.

Maria felt a weight rise in her chest and then sink in the pit of her stomach. It turned over and over, making her feel nauseous. Sweat gathered at the top of her forehead. Her long fingers had always danced over the keys. But now her fingers did not want to move. She could hear the audience shift in their seats, murmur to one another.

She looked at the notes on the sheet music, but they seemed heavy and difficult. Maria, absorbed in the sheet music, did not notice that the conductor had risen to his podium. Now other members of the orchestra picked up their instruments and prepared to play. With a signal from the conductor, the string section began. As the conductor waved his arms, he stared at Maria. Maria looked up and awkwardly smiled at the conductor. The conductor frowned.

Maria closed her eyes for a moment and listened. Her mind left the sheet music behind and the audience and let the orchestra's music flow into her ears and fill her body. Now she remembered. She lifted her hands and started to play.

3
Select the correct answer.
How does the character feel?
A.
Tired of playing the same music for each performance
B.
Upset because her hands hurt from playing the piano
C.
Nervous because she cannot remember how to play the music