Chapter 90: Moving Forward

The first light of early morning filtered through the gauzy curtains at Olivia's studio, growing her many canvases and making them glow softly. Holding a brush and standing at her easel, she was transported into her colorful world. It had been two weeks since she had made her choice, and the freedom still pulsed through her like an electric current. A light rap at her door jerked Olivia out of her concentration. She turned to see Mark standing in the doorway, his face laced with caution, and her heart soared. He said softly, "I hope I am not interrupting. Olivia put down her brush and wiped her paint-stained hands on her smock. "Not at all. Come in." Various emotions got the best of Olivia when Mark appeared in the studio: grateful, foremost, that he comprehended the relief; secondly, that the ruinous awkwardness never ensued; and thirdly, repelled by shadowy feelings of wistfulness about what might have been. "How are you?" Mark inquired, his eyes roving around the new pieces spr