"I TOLD YOU THAT this was a bad idea."

Not even bothering to look up, I pace back and forth on the checkered floor while fidgeting with my fingers. A sea of masked faces rushes down the terminal, each person skirting around other socially-distanced travelers. It isn't even nine o'clock, yet here I am again, in a place that is unfortunately all too familiar.

"Give it a rest, will you?" I sigh, placing a hand on my hip, "It has only been ten minutes since we've started."

Celine Li, my older sister and the person who I love—and hate—the most in the world, scoffs. "Easy for you to say. You haven't been the one asking irritated airport personnel for free tickets!"

I part my lips, but she holds up her calloused hand before I can respond. "You're the one who got us into this mess, so it's your responsibility to fix it. Preferably soon."

For once, I hold my tongue. Celine, always the meticulous planner, entrusted me with the simple task of setting the alarm. Of course, being the ever-so-famous—or infamous—procrastinator, I forgot. It wasn't even the first of many regretful accidents.

We missed our flight not once, not twice, but three times. Now, we don't even have enough money.

Leaning against the marble wall, I inhaled a shallow breath as plane after plane takes off into the clouds. Maybe we would be those lucky passengers, but no airline would give us a free pass to Phoenix, especially not during the pandemic.

I press my finger to my temple and let out a strangled groan. Out of all the events I was invited to, I miss my violin recital.

My violin.

Strangers toss me curious glances as I jump up and nearly trip over my untied shoes. The perfect side hustle, albeit extremely risky, starts to piece together in my head, and I ignore Celine's wary gaze while I fumble with my case.

Suddenly appearing older than her age, she pinches the bridge of her nose. "Do I want to know what your scheme is?"

Fortunately, I don't plan on spoiling the day any more than I have already, so I reveal my ingenious train of thought—if I do say so myself. "Just like the musicians downtown, I can go entertain the audience milling around, and hopefully, hopefully, we can hop on a plane in a few hours. Major plus, I'll get practice before my real performance too. Sounds like a reasonable solution, no?"

Celine's brows edge closer together with every word, so I push on, clasping my hands. "Trust me, sister. I'll earn the money in no time."

After a few seconds, she flashes a dry smile in my direction. "It's worth a shot," she shakes her head, "One way or another, your crazy ideas always work, and I will never understand how."

Splitting into a wide grin, I cradle the violin to my chest and scan the airport plaza.

"Let's get my ten minutes of fame."