The spring came early that year. The cherry trees bloomed in March, the daffodils in April, the roses in May. I worked in my studio, I painted, I wrote, I lived.
The book sold well. The gallery sold my work. The fellowship ended in June, and I was offered a permanent position, a studio, a salary. I said yes.
I moved into a bigger apartment in August, a two-bedroom with a view of the water. I used the second bedroom as a studio. I painted every morning, before work, before the city woke up. I painted the things I wanted to.
Nathan got married again in September. I heard about it from Priya, who heard about it from someone they both knew. I didn't go to the wedding. I didn't send a gift. I just let it be.
Vanessa and Daniel had a baby in the fall. A girl. I saw the photos on social media
