The wooden floorboards moaned and creaked as a rare London sun eased through the kitchen window. An origami church made of twenty-five playing cards remained on the table from the night before.

David pulled a new deck of cards from his desk drawer and began the intricate task of cuts and shapes for his most recent project.

He paused and glanced across the room at his favorite origami marvel, St. Peter's Basilica. In an adjacent corner of the room a long rectangular mirror draped with a crimson curtain leaned against the wall. David knew his disfigured reflection waited, transfixed within the draped darkness, should he dare look at himself.

He turned back to his work and put the finishing touches on a scaled model he had been contracted to complete by the end of the week. Although he did the majority of his work for personal pleasure, he did manage to eke out a modest living freelancing for small architectural firms throughout London.

David's aunt and uncle had arrived from Seathwaite for his birthday and planned to stay on in the guest house until the following morning. His cousin, Brytain had brought a friend with her.

Lola smiled and held out her hand. "It's nice to meet you, David, and happy birthday."

He smiled awkwardly and placed his hand in Lola's. "Thanks."

At one point during the evening, Lola noticed David looking her way. She nodded politely and smiled. He lowered his gaze to his lap and reciprocated with a quick childlike wave. Immediately scolding himself for his noticeable lack of manliness.

Lola eventually made her way to David. He got out of his chair and offered Lola his seat.

"No, thank you. I came over to ask if you wouldn't mind showing me your paper models."

"It's origami architecture. They're in my room and it may be a bit of a mess; I hope you won't mind."

"Not at all. I'm intrigued."

He closed the door behind them and locked it.

"David? Let's leave the door open."

"Oh, but... I thought..."

Lola hardened her gaze.

"Yes, of course. It's force of habit. I feel so stupid."

"No need. So, is this the Basilica your mother was telling me about?"

"Yes, St. Peter's Basilica."

"It's absolutely stunning." Lola moved around the room inspecting some of his smaller projects and he followed behind her. "These miniature churches, David. They're beautiful. I'm beginning to sense they hold a particular significance?"

"Yes, it's a birthday tradition on my mother's side. Each card used represents one year in a person's life."

"Why did you erect them into churches, though?"

"Well, I guess any structure would do, according to Mother's tradition, but to me the church is a sanctuary. A reference to beauty and strength. I've been building origami churches ever since I was diagnosed at age seven."

"That's evident, such beauty and precision." Lola looked quizzically at the crimson curtain leaning against the wall. She reached for the separation.

"Please," David shouted.

Lola pulled her hand away. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

"It's okay. It's something I've been working on for a long time. I don't want anyone to see it until it's done."

"Well, I'm sure it's going to be beautiful. Please let me know when you've perfected it. I'd love to see it."

David's mother peeked around the door. "Are you folks ready for cake?"

"Yes, Mother, we'll be right along."

"You're quite a talent, David."

"Thanks."

"Well, let's go have that cake. I mean after all you are the birthday boy."

"Yes, yes, I am."

The following morning, he couldn't get Lola out of his thoughts. He muttered to himself incessantly as he finished getting dressed. "You idiot, just what were you trying to prove by locking the door? But in my defense what is she trying to prove by pretending I'm normal? Did she not notice me? Did she not notice this twisted face and this, this, bulbus skull?" David lowered his voice. "I am but a blubbering fool," he muttered as he patted the spittle from his chin.

David leaned on his cane and turned to the window. He noticed Lola sitting on the front porch of the guest house. She waved and headed for his window. David froze and then turned away momentarily thinking he might hide, that of which was completely absurd since Lola had already spotted him.

"David, open," she gestured at the window. After a few more seconds of hesitation, he obliged. She put her hands on the sill and leaned through the open window.
"I wanted to thank you again for showing me your work. I believe we're leaving in a few hours. I was wondering if you'd like to sit on the porch swing with me. I have something I'd like to discuss with you."

He turned his back to her. "I don't need your words of pity."

Lola paused for a few seconds. "I've offered many people many things over the years, David, but pity has never been one of them. However, it seems you may have offered up enough for both of us." He turned to look at her and Lola cocked a smile. "If you change your mind I'll be on the swing," she added.

David sat next to Lola, which gave the swing a slight push. He absorbed the motion for a few minutes before he spoke, "I'm sorry, Lola. I didn't mean to insult you last night. The truth is I've never had a woman smile at me the way you did. I assumed..."

"David, I don't want you to think I'm intentionally ignoring your condition. Nor did I ever intend for you to misunderstand my kindness." He moved to leave, and Lola touched the bend in his arm. "Please, let me finish."

"There's no need to finish."

Lola kneeled in front of him and took his hands in hers. "I can honestly tell you I'd rather be in company like yours than any one of those so-called knights in shining armor. I mean if you think about it, it would be like living with a can of soup, wouldn't it? It's nice to hear you laugh, David. Let me get to the point. Proteus Syndrome is a rare disease, but I do have men and women at my clinic that are inflicted with it. They're wonderful people."

"I've never met anyone like myself."

"Well, perhaps it's time you do. Your paper buildings..."

"They're origami architecture."

"Yes, origami architecture. It's a wonderful talent. Before you say anything to my offer, I'd like you to think on it for a few days. Would you be interested in working in the therapeutic wing of my clinic on a regular basis? I would like you to teach this, origami architecture to our patients."

He stared off for several seconds. "You said, I have a few days to think about it, right?"

"Absolutely. I want you to take all the time you need. Here's my card, call me when you're ready."

He said his goodbyes to Lola and closed his bedroom door behind him. He froze in front of the crimson curtain and thought about how quickly his life was about to change, or was it? It would all depend on whether the same man that left this room an hour ago to sit with Lola, did, or did not, still reside behind the crimson drape. He pulled the curtain away and stared into his reflection.