Mai sat at a corner table, her notebook filled with scribbles of English phrases and grammar rules. The café hummed with energy, a mix of baristas taking orders and students typing away on their laptops. Linh, her best friend, sat across from her, providing encouragement for her upcoming B1 English exam. "I just can't get the pronunciation right," Mai sighed, frustration evident in her voice. "You've been practicing so hard, Mai. You're going to nail it!" Linh replied, her eyes filled with confidence.

Mai gazed out the window, watching the vibrant street life of Hanoi. Her mind drifted to dreams of studying abroad, a future that seemed both exciting and daunting. The thought of immersing herself in a new culture and language was a thrilling prospect, yet filled her with apprehension. "What if I freeze and forget everything during the speaking test?" Mai voiced her fears. "Remember why you started. This is just one step towards your dream," Linh reminded her gently.

They shifted their focus back to practicing. Linh played the role of the examiner, throwing questions at Mai that mimicked the exam format. The café's ambient noise faded into the background as Mai concentrated on forming coherent responses. "Describe a memorable trip you've taken," Linh prompted. "Last summer, I visited Ha Long Bay with my family," Mai began, her voice gaining strength with each word.

As they wrapped up their session, Linh leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. Mai felt a warmth spread through her, buoyed by her friend's unwavering belief in her abilities. "You've improved so much, Mai. You're more than ready," Linh asserted. "Thank you, Linh. I couldn't have done it without you," Mai smiled, feeling a renewed sense of determination.

The day of the exam arrived, and Mai found herself seated in a room filled with other nervous students. Her hands trembled slightly, but she took a deep breath, recalling Linh's words of encouragement. "I can do this," she whispered to herself, the words grounding her as she prepared to face the test.

Emerging from the exam hall, Mai felt a wave of relief wash over her. The test had been challenging, but she had managed to keep her composure and answer each question confidently. Linh waited outside, and the moment Mai appeared, she rushed over, a hopeful look in her eyes. "I think it went well," Mai beamed, feeling the weight of her fears lift. "I knew you could do it!" Linh cheered, pulling Mai into a celebratory hug.