"Grandpa, don't die!" Emma Abrams choked with deep conviction. "You mean everything to me. I can't live without you!" This was the part of the script where Emma was supposed to burst into real tears, yet her big blue eyes were like a desert. Emma tried to think of something despairing, like the time her toddling brother sliced his finger on a piece of broken glass while she was watching him, or the devastation she felt when learning that her cat had run away. These sad reflections did nothing to moisten her eyes. "Well, don't panic, Emma," she coached herself. "When it counts in the audition today, you'll cry real tears. You've just got to!" 2

It was difficult to study the script in the car with all of the bumps, turns, and sudden stops typical of trips into New York City, but Emma was determined to make sure that she had each line memorized word for word. She had studied every line nonstop since her agent had called with the good news. It was her first Broadway audition and her entire family had helped her to prepare. Her older sister helped her choreograph a dance, her father improvised with her by playing the part of Grandpa at the dinner table, and her little brother listened to her read her lines. No one was more constant in helping Emma realize her thespian ambitions than her mother, though. Mom was the one who accompanied Emma to her piano, voice, dance, and drama lessons each weekday after school. She went to every audition and performance with Emma, and Emma wished with all her heart that Mom was here with her now.

3

Emma appreciated her mother's constant companionship and support of her acting career. Her mother was always present backstage at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater where Emma was currently starring in Annie on Friday and Saturday nights. Mom was the driving force behind her daughter's acting career, but she refused to drive in New York City. The big city frightened Mrs. Abrams and made her jittery. Since she was already nervous about Emma's big audition, Mrs. Abrams thought it best if she just stayed home. Emma tried to behave like a grown-up when her mother told her she wouldn't be going, but inside Emma felt panicky and alone.

4

Emma's father continued to navigate through the heavy traffic streaming into the city. As the skyline of New York City came into view, Emma started to cry. She knew she should have begged her mother to come with her but now it was too late! Her father looked into the rearview mirror and said, "Wow, honey! If you can do that during the audition, you're a shoo-in." He was genuinely impressed and didn't realize that her tears were real. Emma stared out the window, feeling sorry for herself.

5

Emma watched her dad hand his car keys to the parking attendant. They walked in silence for several blocks, with Emma holding her father's arm. She wanted to ask her father to come in to the audition with her, but she knew he'd be uncomfortable around a bunch of stage mothers. Emma soon found herself being escorted into a crowded lobby. She waved good-bye to her father and disappeared inside the theater.

6

When she emerged from the audition several hours later, Emma was exhausted but triumphant. "I don't ever want Mom to come to an audition where I have to cry again!" she declared as they left the theater together.

7

Knowing his daughter's flair for the dramatic, Mr. Abrams quickly said, "Now don't be angry with your mother because she couldn't come today, Emma. That's not fair."

8

Emma realized her father misunderstood her, so she explained that when she'd cried in the car earlier, it wasn't an act; she was genuinely upset that her mother wasn't with her. "When I went into the audition, all the other girls' mothers were there, but I was all alone. I was terrified without Mom there, so when they called on me to read my lines, I was on the verge of tears anyway. I just thought about how alone I felt without Mom there, and the tears came pouring down. It was perfect timing, and I think I just might get the part! Mom is the secret to my success." She bowed and curtsied to an imaginary audience, saying "Thank you, Thank you."

9

Mr. Abrams smiled and said, "I'm not sure, but I think that just this once, your mother will be extremely happy to hear that she made you cry."

How does the resolution of the story develop the theme?

A. Emma was able to make herself cry with hard work and dedication.

B. Emma finally realized she did not need anyone else to be successful.

C. Emma concluded that her father was just as supportive as her mother.

D. Emma understood that it was not right for her to be angry with her mother.