Page 11 of Hannah.

Perusing the other artifacts isn’t as fun now that I’m coming down from the adrenaline rush of the quick theft. One thing does catch my attention, though: A haunting porcelain doll dressed in frills and lace, golden hair still in charming little curls.

I approach the doll and look over its features, wondering what kind of little girl might have played with it hundreds of years ago.

“Quite captivating, isn't she?” The voice makes me turn on my heels, my attention falling on a woman with long, straight blond hair that gleams under the exhibit lights. “We found it in an abandoned house in the Cotswolds.”

I nod at her, unsure why she approached me in the first place.

“I’m Astrid Goschen, the event organizer,” she says with a warm smile, her brown eyes crinkling at the corners. “What do you think of the exhibition so far?”

I blink, stunned and a little suspicious of her friendly approach.

“We’re doing a quick audience survey for the exhibit,” she adds, bringing my attention to the clipboard and pen she’s holding between her hands.Oh, a survey!

“Eh, great. It’s my first week here, so?—”

“Oh!” Her eyes widen in surprise. “Are you a fresher?”

“I’m studying History of Art, yeah, and I took Heritage Studies as an extra class to torture myself.”

All of a sudden, a wave of excitement radiates through her. “That’s awesome! I’m doing my post-graduation in HeritageStudies, and this is one of the projects I’m working on,” Astrid says, her voice vibrating with joy before she writes a few things on the survey’s form. “What’s your name, by the way?”

“Hannah,” I reply, unable to mirror her almost bubbly tone.

Astrid’s smile widens. “That’s wonderful. And where are you from, Hannah?”

The initial stiffness in my stance softens, and I smile at her question, finding her curiosity amusing. “Take a guess.”

“Hmm… Germany?”

I shake my head, causing Astrid to ponder further. “Belgium? Luxembourg? Switzerland?”

A wide grin cracks on my lips. “Netherlands.”

Astrid mirrors my expression, nodding a few times. “Hannah from the Netherlands. How wonderful to meet you.” She extends a hand, and I take it for a heartfelt handshake.

We smile at each other, feeling an instant connection. "Likewise, Astrid.” A short silence settles in once she releases my hand, and I take in my surroundings. “Congratulations on the exhibit, by the way; it’s wonderful.”

“Thanks. Sometimes I feel like the only person interested in these things, but I can tell from your face that you love them, too.”

My posture subtly shifts, shoulders easing back in a blend of pride and comfort. “Oh, yes. I’ve always been fascinated by the stories behind these objects. They're like portals to the past, aren't they?”

Astrid’s eyes light up with understanding. “Of course they are!” She touches my arm gently, gesturing for me to follow her. “Let me show you my favorite pieces.”

She leads me through the hall, the artifacts around us catalyzing our dialogue, each piece sparking a new topic. We talk about the intricate craftsmanship of a centuries-old pocket watch, the mysterious origins of a peculiar wooden mask, andthe artistry behind a delicate lace handkerchief. Astrid is a wealth of knowledge, leaving me mostly speechless.

“I can see we share a passion for oddities in the realm of decorative arts,” I point out, trying to sound as eloquent as she’s been. “It’s rare to meet someone who appreciates these things as much as I do.”

“I have been thinking the same.” The palpable excitement in her voice makes my lips curve up in appreciation.

Our genuine exchange has infused my heart with a newfound lightness. In exhaling, I say, “If there’s anyone I intend to aspire to when I get older, it's you, Astrid. I hope one day I’ll have my own exhibit. What a dream.”

Just as she's about to speak, another visitor sidles up, whispering something in her ear. She nods in response, then quickly refocuses her attention on me.

“Hannah, I’ve got to go. It was lovely meeting you.” Her announcement stirs a wave of disappointment within me, and I’m certain my expression doesn't hide it. “What if we exchange contacts? Since you’re new here, maybe I could show you around.”

My eyebrows arch in astonishment at her unexpected invitation. “I’d love to, but are you sure about that?”

“Of course I do. I could show you the old town after five. What do you think? I know that place like the back of my hand.”

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