LOGINI can hardly believe it. Before my friends can say anything else, I squeal and throw my arms around them both, jumping up and down. Liam and Brian and the twins are the one major thing I’ve missed dearly since leaving Bo’Arrocan, and to find that they’re finally considering living in Ordan full time
“On schedule, believe it or not,” I reply. “The Bo’Arrocan branch is finally running smoothly, and the Ordan location just graduated its first class of seniors. Six of them got full scholarships to prestigious art schools.”“That’s amazing, Iris.” Alice squeezes my arm. “You’ve created something tru
IrisFive Years Later…“Fifty years of marriage, and they still make each other laugh like that,” Arthur says, appearing at my side with two glasses of champagne. He hands me one and clinks his against it, and we watch as my parents twirl on the lawn, my mom throwing her head back at something my fa
“Gee. Thanks,” I manage to laugh weakly. “I’ll see you all next week.”“You most certainly will not,” Arthur, Hunter, and Alice all say in unison, making me roll my eyes.Outside, Arthur’s car is waiting, parked haphazardly half on the curb. He must have driven like a maniac to get here so quickly f
IrisEight months later…“And that’s why the colors on this side of the color wheel are considered ‘cool’ colors,” I explain to the class of children sitting in a semicircle around me. “They remind us of water, ice, and the sky.”I’m demonstrating on a large color wheel chart when a sharp pain rips
And through it all, Augustine’s breathing grows slower, shallower.Then, quietly and calmly, she goes.Her hand turns limp in mine. The steady beeping of the heart monitor flatlines. The doctor steps forward, checks for a pulse, then shakes her head.“Time of death, 10:47 AM,” she says quietly.I br
“That’s the spirit,” Veronica says brightly. “I’d be happy to share our donor database with you. Many of them are enthusiastic about arts education.”I jot down notes as Veronica continues outlining what the partnership would entail. Despite the higher financial bar, working with her established cha
IrisAs I take a seat all the way at the other end of the long glass conference table, I can’t help but feel a little awkward. The distance between us feels like miles. Does Veronica really need to seat us so far apart?But I keep my expression serene and don’t mention it, refusing to show discomfor
The top trending article of the week is scathing. The headline reads: “Even Alpha’s Son Prefers Piano Prodigy Over Future Luna!”The backlash is even worse than I feared. If there was any doubt before that Veronica and I have some kind of secret feud, it’s certainly gone now. Some people even think
Iris“Are you ready, buddy?” Arthur kneels in front of Miles, adjusting the collar of his navy blue uniform. The formal little outfit makes our son look older somehow, more grown-up than his five years. My chest aches at the sight.Miles shifts from foot to foot. “What if the other kids don’t like m







