"Again!"
Ashley pursed her lips as the word she had been hearing all morning rang out once more. She turned to the source of the voice.
There stood a refined old madam, upright, a folding hand-held fan resting in her grasp.
The instructor's hair was neatly styled in a bun, with volume at the crown that made her look like an evil stepmother. Though aged, with visible wrinkles on her face, her petite figure and poise remained elegant even when simply standing still.
"Do it again," she said, her voice as strict as her features.
A deep exhale escaped Ashley, and she nodded, recomposing herself as she picked up another book and placed it on top of her head. Chin high, she straightened her back and walked in her high heels, balancing the book.
Ashley walked in a straight line, managing to reach the end without the book falling.
But alas…
"Again!"
Her frown deepened, and this time, she turned fully to the madam. "Are you serious?"
