Dear Abby: This painting hurts me, and I don’t know what to do about it

By JEANNE PHILLIPS

DEAR ABBY: My best friend of 35 years and I had a falling-out about a year ago. I would call it an unfortunate misunderstanding, and as a result, we are no longer friends. Having said that, I wish nothing but the best for her.

Many years ago, when I was sick with cancer, she gave me a painting she created. She’s a talented artist, and I know she spent many hours working on it.
I recently moved and I can’t bring myself to display the artwork because it is now a painful reminder that our friendship is over.

I have thought about returning it to her with a brief note, but I don’t know if that would be in bad taste. I certainly don’t want to create any hurt feelings. However, I’m wondering if she might want her painting back because she put so much effort into it. Your opinion, please?

REMINDED IN IOWA