“Burdens, once shared,
“Burdens, once shared,are no longer as heavy.”
are no longer as heavy.”Verrocchio slept propped against the wall on the scaffold as he had the day before, and the day before that. He stirred only when they stirred him, muttering answers to their questions, instructing with half-opened eyes but extraordinary mastery.
The days Botticelli had been there had been very different. He stood behind each of them throughout the day, tutoring, criticizing, complimenting. They learned a great deal from each, no matter their differing approaches.
“Tell us, Natasia,” Mattea whispered. How glad she was for Verrocchio’s snuffling slumber. She did not know what Natasia would tell them; after the events of the other night, she knew only that it must be told to the Disciples alone.
