INICIAR SESIÓNI 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
“Thank you,” I say softly.My mother gives me a watery smile. “No need to thank me. It’s what mothers do.”Finally, my mother comes to stand next to me and looks up at the mural. She studies it for a long moment, then says, “Is this meant to be symbolic? The girl walking into the ocean?”I turn to l
Maybe I want to join her little world. Walk off into the sunset and never be seen again.I think that would be simpler. But ultimately unrealistic.Even so, working on this piece has been unexpectedly therapeutic. In the weeks since I agreed to help Ezra, I’ve spent most of my days here at Marsiel,
At that, the crowd seems at least somewhat intrigued. Bolstered by an encouraging smile from Hunter, I outline my idea: a program that would provide free art classes to children from all backgrounds, right here at Marsiel Gallery. Classes would be held weekly, taught by professional artists—includin
Iris“So what’s your plan, exactly?” I ask Ezra. “Get Arthur away from Veronica and then what? Lock him in a room until he comes to his senses?”Ezra frowns. “I’m not entirely sure yet. But I’ve been thinking—we need to create a situation where Arthur has no choice but to show up. Something very… pu







