Chapter 203

Jake's POV

The studio was quieter than usual. The exhibition had wrung everyone out, but the aftermath was always the hard part. Walking across the room, I felt the pressure our recent successes put on us, as well as the strain.

Sarah was working on a new piece. She frowned as she gave all concentration to the canvas. I could see the tension in her shoulders as she painted—every stroke full of deliberation but heavy with emotion. I could feel her undergoing much pain, yet I did not know how to help.

"Hey, Sarah," I said, trying to sound casual as I approached. "How's it going?"

She looked up from her canvas, her eyes red and tired but dedicated. "It's going. I'm just really trying to get this piece right, and it's proving to be harder than I thought."

I nodded and stepped closer to survey the work. "I can see that. It's really coming together, though. What's been the hardest part?"

Sarah sighed, setting her brush down. "Honestly?