"Smart is not holding back when it matters," Hailey added, sweeping Emma's legs.
Emma hit the mat with a thud. "That's not fair. You have years more experience than us."
"Life isn't fair," Hailey replied. "The film industry definitely isn't fair. Nothing is fair."
"Get used to it now, or get out," she added coldly.
By the time Jessica picked herself up from the mat for the second time, the atmosphere had become tense and uncomfortable.
The junior performers huddled together. They whispered among themselves about their instructor's strange behavior.
"This is insane," Jessica whispered to the others. "What has gotten into her?"
"She is acting like we are her enemies," Clara added, still catching her breath.
"Maybe something happened with her boyfriend," Melanie suggested quietly.
"Whatever it is, she is taking it out on us," Emma said, rubbing her bruised ribs.
"So that is it?" Hailey asked, looking around at the group of exhausted and demoralized young women.
