Spring came early to Bellavere.
Fresh leaves unfurled along both banks of the River Aurelia, sunlight scattering across the water like flecks of gold.
I sat by the studio window, next season's proposals spread across my worktable.
Three sketches lay side by side, "Deep Sea," "Aurora," and "Rebirth."
I twirled a pencil between my fingers.
Biting my lower lip, I studied them with a slight frown, unable to choose.
When Lumi opened the door, I had just flipped over the "Rebirth" sketch and started drawing new lines on the back.
She walked over with a cup of coffee, glanced at my work, and raised an eyebrow.
"Still haven't decided?"
"No."
I didn't look up.
"'Deep Sea' feels too heavy. 'Aurora' feels too untethered. And 'Rebirth'... feels too much like I'm telling my own story."
Lumi
