One afternoon a week later, Lin Hai was in his room, making his routine daily contact with the black crystal.
Just then, the door eased open, and Gwen poked her head in. "Lin Hai?"
Her lips curved into a smile, her face bright with excitement. She came in and, once Lin Hai opened his eyes, took his hand. "Come on, follow me!"
"What is it? What's got you so happy?" Lin Hai asked with a smile as he let her pull him to his feet.
"The masks! I've finished the final designs!" Pride rang through Gwen's voice. "I think you're going to love them. Come to the study!"
She pulled Lin Hai out of the bedroom, hurried up to the third floor, and headed straight for the study.
The faint smell of paper and paint hung in the air. The broad desk was a little cluttered, strewn with drafts, reference materials, and art supplies.
Once inside, Gwen let go of his hand and hurried behind the desk. She picked up two sheets of paper from its center and held one out to him.
"Here, this one's mine." A note of anticipation entered her voice. "I think this version turned out the best."
Lin Hai took the drawing but did not look at it yet. He was still watching Gwen behind the desk. She stood straight, smiling with pride and anticipation. Sunlight streamed through the window behind her, bathing her in a warm glow.
Lin Hai knew how much thought Gwen had put into designing these two masks. He had seen her research their cultural influences, revise countless sketches, scrap them, and start over, always striving to make them better.
"So this is the final version?" Lin Hai asked fondly. "Thanks for all the effort you've put in. Now let me