The Garden of Letters by Alyson Richman

Author:Alyson Richman [Richman, Alyson]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Penguin Group US
Published: 2014-09-02T00:00:00+00:00

The next morning, Elodie arrives at Berto Zampieri’s art studio, and Brigitte answers the door.

She does not greet Elodie by name, but rather gives a faint smile and ushers her into a large room where several sculptures are on display. In the corner is an abstract rendering of a woman reclining. Elodie looks at the figure’s sharp hip and hollow pelvis and senses immediately that it’s Brigitte.

She is standing alone with the smell of damp clay and plaster dust on the floor when Berto walks out to greet her.

“This is for you,” he tells her. She glances at his hands grasping a canvas bag. His hands are clean and without traces of clay.

“No, I’m not sculpting,” he says with a laugh. “No time for that right now . . . I have more pressing things to attend to.”

Elodie smiles, embarrassed that he’s read her mind so easily.

“Luca will meet you at the intersection where the two roads meet at the base of the Monte Comune. There, you will hike the roads together until you get to the camp. Take this package with you.”

Elodie takes the bag from Berto’s hand.

“I understand.”

“Good. Your work has not gone unnoticed, Elodie . . .” He squeezes her arm. “And Luca told me about your father’s recent passing . . . I’m so sorry.”

She stiffens slightly at the mention of her father. The grief is still raw inside her. “Yes, thank you. This is a good way to channel my energies.”

Berto nods.

Elodie takes the bag and looks down at its contents. On the top is fabric for sewing, but it is so heavy that Elodie knows something more important lies beneath.

“Don’t worry, it’s not anything that can explode.” He looks at Brigitte in the corner and smiles. “It’s only some fresh food. If anyone stops you, just tell them you’re going to a picnic.”

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