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The knock at the front door broke her concentration. She finished up and dried off, quickly getting dressed. She came to the living room and found Julia and Claire quietly talking over coffee.
"Hey," Julia said.
Claire ran to her, hugging her tight.
"You doing okay?" Julia asked, holding her.
"No," Claire said, crying.
"It's okay. You're allowed to feel this way," Julia reminded her.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. Come sit down and have some coffee," Julia offered.
Claire sat down and sipped her coffee. She breathed deeply, letting herself miss David while she was surrounded by people who loved her.
Hours later Eva pulled up to the art gallery with Claire beside her and Julia in the back seat. She'd wanted this to be a date, something special she could show Claire, but Julia was good company too and Eva was quickly warming up to her.
"This place is cool," Julia said as they entered the building.
"I like it," Claire agreed.
"This is the first time you've been here, isn't it?" Eva asked her.
Claire nodded.
"Come on. Let's take a look," Eva said. She took Claire's hand, leading her towards the paintings. "I thought you might find some inspiration here." Eva placed a gentle hand on the small of her back.
Claire leaned into her, looking around the gallery.
"There are so many different artists here," she said, admiring the art. She looked around in awe. The space was accented with tall potted plants and filled with a myriad of artworks. Paintings in intricate frames lined the walls, while lifelike sculptures stood on pedestals throughout the rooms.
Eva nodded. "And there's a lot to explore."
They wandered around the gallery, checking out the different paintings and sculptures. Julia wandered off, staying in the gallery but giving them some privacy too.
"I love this one," Claire said, admiring a large painting.
Eva smiled. "So do I. It's beautiful."
"Yeah," Claire agreed.
She walked slowly, taking in the diversity of styles and subjects depicted. There were vivid impressionist florals, moody abstracts, sweeping landscapes and more. The artists' creativity and passion shone through in each unique piece.
Inspired, Claire began mentally cataloguing techniques she saw used. Thick, expressive brushstrokes here, muted earthy palettes there. She made notes to try out new methods in her own work.
"This one is beautiful," Eva said, pointing to a painting of a woman holding a baby.
"It is," Claire agreed. It was done in watercolors, the layers of paint adding depth and texture to the image.
They stood quietly together, gazing at the artwork.
After a while, Eva took her hand, and the moved around the gallery together, quietly appreciating the different works. As they meandered through the gallery, one painting in particular caught Claire's eye - a quaint cottage nestled in a meadow of wildflowers swaying gently in an imagined breeze. It reminded her instantly of her new cherished home.
"Eva, come look at this one," Claire called to her companion. As Eva came over, Claire said, "It feels so reminiscent of my cottage, doesn't it? I adore it."
Eva smiled, slipping her arm around Claire's waist. "It really does capture that cozy feel. Makes me think of you in your garden."
