Finding light in the darkest places—through love-Chapter 57 – Brushstrokes of Growth

Evelyn sat in front of her easel, the soft glow of her desk lamp casting shadows across the canvas. The first strokes of her second gallery piece were finally taking shape. The blend of deep blues and soft lavenders swirled together, forming the base of what she envisioned as an abstract representation of serenity. But the weight of the deadline, of the expectation, pressed heavily against her mind.

She let out a long breath, setting her brush down.

"I don't know if I'm doing this right."

A familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

"You know, talking to yourself is the first sign of madness."

Evelyn turned her head to see Adrian leaning against her doorway, arms crossed, a teasing smirk playing at his lips.

"And barging into someone's apartment unannounced is the first sign of an overbearing friend,"

she shot back, but there was no real annoyance in her tone.

Adrian grinned.

"Please, we both know you secretly love my presence."

He stepped in, setting a bag of takeout on her desk.

"Dinner. Because I know for a fact you forgot to eat."

Evelyn blinked. She glanced at the time on her phone and winced.

"It's almost nine?"

"Uh-huh," Adrian said, raising a brow.

"And when was the last time you stood up and stretched?"

Evelyn opened her mouth, then promptly shut it.

"Exactly what I thought."

He plopped onto her couch, pulling out their usual order.

"Come on, Picasso. Take a break."

With a reluctant sigh, Evelyn wiped her hands on a rag and sat across from him, accepting the container he passed her. The aroma of warm, familiar food filled the air, making her realize just how hungry she was.

Adrian watched her for a moment before speaking.

"So, are you going to tell me why you look like you're fighting a war with that canvas?"

Evelyn poked at her food.

"It just... it doesn't feel good enough. The first piece was easier because I had an idea, and a vision. But now, every brushstroke just feels forced."

Adrian hummed.

"Maybe because you're thinking too much."

"I always think too much," she muttered.

"Yeah, but this time it's different. You're trying to prove something to yourself rather than just painting for the love of it."

He pointed at her with his chopsticks. "Big difference."

She sighed, setting her food down.

"I just... What if I mess this up? What if the gallery regrets giving me this opportunity?"

Adrian set his food aside and leaned forward.

"Evie, look at me."

She hesitated before meeting his eyes.

"No one is expecting perfection. They want you. Your art. The emotions you put into it. You don't have to prove anything to anyone. You just have to keep doing what you love."

Evelyn swallowed past the lump in her throat.

"You always make things sound so simple."

Adrian grinned.

"That's because you overcomplicate everything."

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She laughed, shaking her head.

"You're insufferable."

"And yet, here I am, feeding you and giving you life advice. I should start charging for my services."

Evelyn rolled her eyes but felt lighter than she had all day. Maybe Adrian was right. Maybe she was putting too much pressure on herself.

"Alright,"

she said, stretching her arms.

"Break time's over. Back to work."

Adrian stood, gathering the trash.

"Good. Just don't forget to sleep, alright?"

"No promises,"

she teased.

He groaned.

"Unbelievable."

But as he left, Evelyn felt a renewed sense of determination settles over her. She turned back to her canvas, brush in hand, and let go of the fear. Let go of the expectations. And for the first time in days, she simply painted.