Kedrin stood before her easel, lost in the swirls of color that danced across the canvas. The soft afternoon light filtered through the windows of her studio, casting a warm glow on her delicate features. With each stroke of her brush, she poured her soul onto the canvas, creating a masterpiece that spoke of passion and longing.
As she worked, her mind wandered to the events of the past week. She had met him at a gallery opening, a tall figure cloaked in shadows, his eyes piercing through the crowd. Steven, he had introduced himself, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine. There was an undeniable magnetism about him, an aura of mystery that drew her in like a moth to a flame.
Their conversation had been brief, but electrifying. He spoke of his work in the world of finance, a realm far removed from her own artistic pursuits. Yet, despite their differences, there was an undeniable connection between them, a spark that ignited something deep within her soul.
Lost in thought, Kedrin didn't hear the soft knock on her studio door until it swung open, revealing the familiar figure of her best friend, Sarah. With a smile, Sarah crossed the room and wrapped her arms around Kedrin in a tight embrace.
"Hey, you," Sarah said, her voice filled with warmth. "I brought you some lunch. You've been cooped up in here all day."
Kedrin returned the embrace, grateful for Sarah's presence. Despite their contrasting personalities – Sarah, outgoing and bubbly, Kedrin, introspective and reserved – they had been inseparable since childhood.
"Thanks, Sarah," Kedrin said, stepping back to admire the spread of sandwiches and fruit that Sarah had laid out on the small table. "You always know how to take care of me."
Sarah grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, someone has to look out for you, especially when you're lost in your own world of paint and canvas."
The two friends shared a laugh before settling down at the table, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they caught up on each other's lives. Yet, despite the comfort of Sarah's company, Kedrin couldn't shake the lingering memory of Steven from her mind.
As the afternoon sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the studio, Kedrin made a decision. She would see Steven again, if only to satisfy the curiosity that gnawed at her insides. And so, with a sense of determination burning in her chest, she set down her brush and made her way out into the night, ready to embark on a journey that would forever alter the course of her life.
Steven A. Leach Jr.
