Did I do something wrong?
Did I say too much?
Maybe that was too much emotion for you?
Sorry. I’m not trying to go there. I’m not trying to be the closed-off version of myself. You said fated mates were excellent at communication. And you’ve been great at it so far. You’ve always been right there when I needed you. Or thought that I didn’t need you.
I’m just feeling a little vulnerable right now. A little exposed. After what we just did together, your silence is making me squirm. And not in the good way.
So if something’s wrong, please tell me. If it’s just some galactic emergency and you’re busy defending the realm, say the word and I’ll shut up and wait like a good little soul mate.
But if it’s something else, can you please tell me that? I would rather know than be left in the dark.
I’ll wait here at the mailbox awhile longer. Just say something.
~Dani
Solstice Art Gallery
4891 Windham Way
Palo Alto, California 94301
* * *
Dear Ms. Starbourne,
Thank you so much for submitting your artwork for consideration in our upcoming exhibition. We were truly impressed by the originality and emotional depth in your piece. Your use of natural materials and layered textures speaks to a bold and thoughtful artistic vision. It was truly a pleasure to spend time with your work.
While your submission was carefully considered, we regret to inform you that it was not selected for inclusion in our upcoming show. This decision is not a reflection on the quality of your work but rather the specific curatorial theme and constraints of this particular exhibition.
We strongly encourage you to continue sharing your art with us. Your unique voice as an artist is compelling, and we believe there will be opportunities in the future where your work will be an excellent fit.
Thank you again for your submission. We look forward to seeing more of your work in future calls.
Warm regards,
The Curatorial Team
Solstice Gallery for Contemporary Arts
Barbara Lancaster
860 Chalon Road
Bel Air, CA 90077
Danika,
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that your RSVP has yet to arrive. It’s rather consistent with the way you’ve floated through life—always a bit flighty, always too absorbed in your little art projects to bother with family obligations. I’ll remind you that family is the most important thing in life. Weddings are not about individual feelings; they are about showing up and supporting your blood, no matter what petty differences exist.
That said, I’ll admit that this wedding is exhausting. Bethani has turned into a demanding little bridezilla, but I suppose that’s to be expected given the pressure she’s under. I’ve barely had time to breathe between surgeries, fittings, and flower arrangements. Honestly, there are days I envy you—off in the mountains with no one needing anything from you. You’ve always been so low-maintenance. You never fussed about hand-me-downs or secondhand shoes like Bethani did. I always appreciated that about you.
As for the man situation—well, I daresay you have the right idea there too. I haven’t the patience or the need for a man myself. They’re either sniffing around your paycheck or busy slipping off into someone else’s bed. Frankly, I’ve long suspected your father hasn’t always been as devoted to Lorraine as she likes to think. All those mysterious nights at the observatory, and that dusty old cabin of his he runs off to? Please! It doesn’t take a world-renowned surgeon to see what’s happening there.
Still, I’ve gone ahead and marked a place for you at the old folks’ table. You may as well come have a decent meal if nothing else. If you haven’t anything appropriate to wear, I’ve got a few cocktail dresses I can spare. Don’t worry, they’re loose fitting.
Regards,