Epilogue
Iris
We're at a fancy gallery in New York, where my work is being featured alongside that of other young artists. It took everything I had to get this collection out in time for the showing. I had just had my second son when they invited me.
I'm holding a glass of soda because I can't drink yet as I'm breastfeeding. I take a sip as I try to get my nerves under control. Everything is so elegant here, and I'm afraid I no longer fit in as a city person. I fully belong in Hunter's Peak with Harrison and our children.
Speaking of which, I search around the locale to find my husband. He's running around with the baby in a sling. I told him it was too late to have him out here, but he didn't want to leave him in the hotel with my parents. He's been corralling patrons and taking them to where my art is hanging.
My work is a wonderful tribute to the mountains in Hunter's Peak. A part of me cringes, though, whenever someone else says they want to visit. I want our town to remain small and pristine, and if people suddenly find it, it will no longer be the sacred place it is to all of the townsfolk.
Suddenly, my husband appears at my side.
"Hey, I think I just convinced some big shot to buy one of your paintings."
"I didn't know you had a side hustle as a salesman."
"I want everyone to buy and enjoy your work. You know I'm your biggest fan."
"Has Elijah been good?"
"He's been an absolute angel, just like his mother."
"Maybe we should go home."
"Give me half an hour more. There are a couple more patrons I want to talk to."
He takes off once again with the baby in his arms, making me feel sorry for myself because I'm stuck here playing nice with the patrons.
Elena, the owner of the gallery, approaches me.
I give her a smile, but I'm still uncomfortable because she's one of the big guns in the art scene here in New York.
"Iris, I think I'm going to have to pay your husband a commission for all the sales he's made tonight."
"Oh, God, I'm so sorry."
"I find it endearing that he's your biggest fan." She hesitates, "You know you could get a teaching position here at one of the universities."
"I know."
"But you'd rather stay in your mountain."
"Yes, I'd rather stay in my mountain."
"Let me know if that ever changes."
She gives me a look as if I should be falling over her offer, but my life was already decided the day I arrived on Hunter's Peak. My husband walks towards me with the baby and leans down to kiss me. It's a gentle kiss, only meant to tell me he's by my side, no matter what.
"Are you ready to go home, my angel?"
"More than you'll ever know."
"I love you, Iris. You deserve the accolades you are getting tonight."
"I love you too, Harrison. Let's go back to the mountain."
He puts his hand around me and walks me to the car Elena hired for us. We're taken to the fancy hotel they booked for us and arrive to a beautiful three-year-old in diapers and running his grandparents ragged.
"This is truly home, my angel."
"Yes, forever."
THE END