THE UNVEILING
Eden never expected silence to be so loud.
The morning of the exhibition arrived with a strange calmness. The world moved on as if this day wasn’t monumental for her—as if she hadn’t poured years of pain, healing, and transformation into the collection that would soon hang in Kauffman Gallery. But to Eden, every second felt weighted, stretched too long and too tight. Like holding her breath beneath water.
She stood in front of the mirror for what felt like hours, hands trembling as she clasped the delicate silver chain around her neck. The pendant—a small paintbrush charm—was a gift from Serena, meant to remind her of how far she’d come. Her reflection stared back, steady and unsure all at once. The soft folds of her navy dress fell like curtains, modest but elegant, chose
