72% isn’t that high. And this was only after Kayla helped me. Without her, I probably wouldn’t have even scraped a pass

“W

ell done, Mimi, this is a significant improvement,” Mrs. Stern says warmly, handing back the test paper.

Oh. Mimi’s stomach somersaults. She’d forgotten the test, or maybe she’d pushed the thought away. With all of Kayla’s help and the feeling that she’d really done well for a change, would it even be good enough?

She keeps the paper tightly folded until she’s in a private corner, then takes a quick breath and peeks.

72%.

Well, it’s an improvement, that’s for sure. But…

72% isn’t that high. And this was only after Kayla helped me. Without her, I probably wouldn’t have even scraped a pass. And what will be with the seminary test?

The seminary test. Mimi’s chest tightens. There are knots up and down her windpipe; she needs to breathe.

What if I don’t get into seminary because of my grades?

She’s never allowed herself to formulate the thought before, but now, staring at the big, bold 72% with an encouraging comment from Mrs. Stern (Much improved, Mimi! I see your efforts. Keep shteiging and progressing. B’hatzlachah!), she suddenly faces reality.

72% isn’t enough. And it’s not just Chumash she’s struggling with; there’s all the overdue assignments and endless tests and quizzes. She can barely keep track of them all, let alone study long enough to achieve a decent grade.

It’s gonna get easier, she tells herself in Ma’s most upbeat, positive voice.

But then she thinks miserably: It hasn’t until now. What if it just gets worse?