“This is a place where I can live a life in service to my art,” she said. “Maybe you can, too?” “Maybe I can what?” Louisa spoke quickly, the words emerging from her in an ecstatic rush: “You can come live here with me. We’d have our own house, our own studio. It’s so beautiful, Karina. You wouldn’t believe how beautiful it is.” Karina was silent. “Are you still there?” “I’m here.” “You don’t have to decide right away,” Louisa said. “I know it’s a lot to take in.” Karina drew in a long breath. “Let me think about it.” It wasn’t a yes, but it wasn’t a no, either, and for now that felt like
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