Summary

Lydia waits outside of a building in London. She is greeted by Ben, an artist who works in the building and also helps run the program that she has been accepted into. Lydia is an artist, and she has been awarded a studio space in this building. The building is largely windowless, because it used to be a chocolate factory, which appeals to Lydia because she is extremely photosensitive. Ben tries to make small talk, and Lydia explains that her dad is Japanese and her mom is half-Malaysian. Lydia lies and tells Bern her mother is dead, which Ben immediately relates to, as his mother is extremely ill and near death. Ben shows Lydia around the building, and introduces her to her studio. They sign the paperwork confirming that Lydia will take the studio.

Lydia is exhausted by this interaction. She is hungry...