The Algorithm of Spring

62

Maya accepted a cup of warm barley tea from the professor's copper pot, which she kept simmering on the small stove, letting the heat seep into her hands. "They don't know about Beijing though. No one would—not from my lips. "But now apparently HarmoniQ does—how bizarre, given how careful you were then."

She returned to her canvas, adding another bold stroke. Talking over her shoulder, she said, "But they don't understand what that choice really meant, do they?"

"It puzzles me—the more I think about it, the method they've chosen. If they'd wanted to silence you, they could have pressured the gallery to cancel, or simply cut the power. Instead, they corrupted your creation, transforming it into something that mimicked structure while destroying meaning. You know my old-fashioned view, Maya. True art should guide people toward clarity and moral purpose, not celebrate ambiguity. Their message seems clear: you are not in control. Not of your art, not even of your own story."

Maya frowned. "What do you mean?"

"You chose yourself that day. Your own path. It's what you're still doing now—refusing to let them or anyone reshape you into something safe and predictable. Maybe that's why they see you as someone who needs correcting, not merely punishing."

The door opened, Jia and Min-ah returning with their bubble teas and the energy only art students could sustain for hours on end. They settled at their stations, trying to look focused while stealing glances at Maya.

"Everyone's talking about what happened," Jia exclaimed, unable to contain herself. "How someone tried to sabotage your exhibition. Your work looked so brave, unni."

Maya caught Professor Kim's knowing smile. The older woman signalled for Maya to join her in the hall, bangles singing with each step.

"Sometimes the decisions that once shamed us become our strength—if we allow them."

Maya examined her former mentor, remembering all the times she'd sought her company, seeking guidance or simply space to breathe. The woman who'd helped her face her first difficult choice was showing her how to face this one too.

"They think they can use it against me," Maya said. "My past. My decisions."

"And can they?"

Maya stood, eyes locked on her mentor.

"No," she said. "No, they can't."