Rather than becoming uncomfortable at the gesture of sympathy, the accompanying comment put Anne at her ease. Her last comment about throwing it away had been in jest, because while she was not the most confident woman on the planet, she did know her art, thoroughly, as if it was the only thing she knew, or would ever know. She knew that her Project was right, the way it should be, even if that wasn't perfect, for imperfection can always be beauty. She was pleased, so pleased that she did not falsify a smile for him, but just let it twinkle out of her eyes, which happened sometimes when she was content. "I am glad you like it." She inhaled, and then breathed out, the warmth tasting of green peach tea. "It took me a long time." She squeezed his hand, in reassurance.