Part 4. Chapter 53

“Leon!” Pierre called out excitedly as he opened their studio door, which he’d made for as soon as he’d dropped his bags at the boarding house. 

Leon, who had been seated at his workstation, sculpting a clay model of Josephine, broke into a bright smile as he stood and held out his arms for a hug. By the time they had embraced, Josephine had hopped down from the platform where she had been modeling.

“Pierre!” she said with a smile, “It’s so good to see you!” 

“You too! I brought presents!” 

Pierre opened his satchel, handed Leon some traditional papyrus paintings, and produced a perfume stored in an Egyptian-blown glass bottle for Josephine. 

“Thank you, Pierre. This calls for a celebration!” Leon said as he threw an arm around Pierre’s shoulder. “What have you missed the most about home?”