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
IrisOver the following few days, I launch myself into my preparations to leave Ordan.Miles doesn’t speak during those days. Not a single word. It breaks my heart over and over again every time I have to look at his sad little face, and I feel like a horrible mother.But I know, someday, he’ll unde
“Iris,” Alice says, turning to me, “no offense, but… Are you alright? This is…” Her voice trails off.I swallow hard. “Not my best work, is it?”“No, it’s not. Is something going on? You know you can talk to me…”Her concern is touching, but I shake my head, gathering my art. I make some excuse and
IrisTo my surprise, Arthur doesn’t reach out for the remainder of the week. I’m not entirely sure if he’s actually choosing to let me go or if he’s simply giving me space, but whatever it is, I’ll take it.In the meantime, I consider my living situation here in Ordan.Miles and I love it here, trul
“Likely story,” I snort, trying to stand. But Arthur grabs my wrist and pulls me back down.“I’m serious, Iris. I only ever loved you. I was going to tell you everything, but you ran off and I couldn’t find you, no matter how hard I looked. I thought you took money and went and had an abortion.”For







