Kari started with dinner at Castaways, the remarkable foursome, wanting to photograph them for future work. Meeting Ian, their conversation. Painting all today. She acknowledged to herself as well as to Indrid that the creative surge was at least partly due to agreeing to a drink with one of her favorite music stars. Which led naturally to Graham’s phone call. Entering the restaurant, finding Ian wrapped in his sad solitude. As she recounted Ian’s explanation, she was silenced by the resurging terror. Losing her creative way, watching helplessly as her life’s passion went away. Forever.
Indrid brought her back with “What happened next?”
Kari recounted Ian’s agreement to play in Miami. At the festival. Timed to the event where they wanted to showcase Kari’s work.
When she was done, Indrid did not respond. Kari stroked the purring kitten and welcomed the silence. The sensation of balanced calm versus electric rush was stronger now. As if she had taken a further step toward the nexus of this strange force.
Finally, Indrid said, “I think it’s time I came up for a visit.”
“Really?”
“Tomorrow,” Indrid said. “I want to meet this gentleman for myself. Can you arrange that?”
Kari started to say it was impossible, since she had no idea what his number was or even where he lived. In the end, though, all she said was, “I’ll try.”
