Alice grapples with self-doubt as she contemplates the challenge laid before her by Thomas. The echoes of her parents' contrasting advice—her mother's unspoken confidence in her art and her father's pragmatic yet harsh encouragement haunt her steps back to the workshop. This place, a sanctuary of creativity and colour, suddenly feels daunting in the silence of early departure.

In the stillness, surrounded by the tools of her trade and the legacy of generations of colour makers, Alice confronts her fears. The workshop, with its sunlight-dappled workbench and the comforting, earthy scent of pigments, offers a moment of solace. Yet, the prospect of demonstrating her craft before an audience stirs a deep-seated anxiety. Memories of her mother's serene face and her own discoveries alongside Thomas—particularly the vibrant yellow ochre from a field trip—serve as reminders of her journey and passion.

Despite her doubts, Alice begins to prepare for her demonstration, arranging tools and visualizing each step of the pigment-making process. Her resolve strengthens in the quiet of the workshop, bolstered by the tangible link to her craft through the familiar textures and colours of her materials.

The next morning, Alice's early arrival and meticulous preparation are interrupted by Thomas's surprise visit. His presence, both reassuring and imposing, prompts a reflection on her readiness and the perfection she seeks in her demonstration. Thomas's words, emphasizing the passion and story behind each colour rather than flawless execution, ignite a shift in Alice's mindset. He encourages her to see the workshop as her stage, where she can share her knowledge, beauty, and part of herself with the audience.

Inspired by Thomas's guidance and the poetic words of O'Shaughnessy, Alice transforms her nervous energy into focused determination. The workshop, once a space of learning and introspection, becomes an arena for showcasing her evolution from apprentice to adept color maker. The anticipation of the audience outside adds a layer of reality to her impending performance.

As she steps forward to greet her visitors, Alice channels her tumultuous emotions into a calm exterior. The stained table, a silent witness to her growth and experimentation, now stands ready to support her in this pivotal moment of sharing her craft. With a deep breath, she invites the attendees to experience the magic of color making, stepping into her role as both a creator and a storyteller. This moment marks not just a demonstration of skill but a celebration of her journey, embracing her identity as a dreamer of dreams and a shaper of reality through the alchemy of art.

The condensed version of Chapter 11 captures Alice's inner conflict and growth, her interaction with Thomas, and the culmination of her preparation for a significant demonstration that bridges her past learning with her future as a confident colour maker.