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
I hesitate, glancing toward the bar. Alice, noticing the exchange from afar, lifts her glass and shoots me a wink. My cheeks flush as I accept, and we move to the dance floor.Surprisingly, Hunter keeps a respectable distance as we begin to dance. His palm presses into mine, his fingers gently curli
IrisAlice and I pull up to the event, which is situated in one of the historic halls in downtown Ordan. Glittering chandeliers hang from the ceilings, their glow reflecting off the polished marble floors. Ordan socialites from all backgrounds mill around in expensive gowns and tuxedos, sipping cham
“Children don’t eat on furniture,” Mrs. White cuts me off, raising her hand to stop me. “And pizza is very unhealthy.”I blink. “It’s not like it’s an everyday thing,” I say slowly. “And Miles is very neat when he eats. You can put a towel down if you’re concerned, but he won’t make a mess.”The nan
IrisBefore I can think better of it, I pull my phone out of my pocket and send Alice a quick text.“I’ll come with you tonight. What time?”She responds within a minute: “The event starts at eight, but you should come to my place beforehand! We can get ready together.”I hesitate, then agree to do







