“That night, my medicine wasn’t enough to make me lose my mind completely. But when I saw you lying on the bed and gazing at me so beautifully, I couldn’t help it anymore. All I wanted to do was to take you into my arms. I thought that it would be the best memory of my life. But when I saw the blood on the sheets and when you cried out Lyle’s name as you held onto me, only then did I realize that you weren’t doing well.”
He paused, then continued, “Eve, we’ve missed out on each other for so many years. This time, no one can take you away from me. You can only be mine no matter what.”
“You’re mine, Eve. Do you know that?” Christopher whispered affectionately.
I could hear someone constantly talking to me. However, I was falling in and out of consciousness and could not hear it clearly. Finding it somewhat annoying, I then waved my hand and mumbled dazedly, “You’re noisy. I’m tired and I want to sleep.”
“Sleep, I’ll protect you.”
Upon hearing those words, I closed my eyes and finally fell into a deep sleep.
When the morning sunlight shone in, I woke up from my sleep to see Christopher hugging the blankets and sleeping soundly. There was a slight smile on his face. He even has an unruly smirk when he sleeps.
Looking at such a child-like sleeping face, I laughed silently, eager to record that moment in a painting.
Dragging my sore body, I took out my unfinished art piece and placed it on the easel, then began to paint. I studied Christopher’s face as I drew, and soon, I completed my painting.
I was very satisfied as I looked at it. Christopher was depicted full of charm, and it was as if he had come to life in the painting. The piece was a testimony of love.
Just as I was admiring the art piece, his face came into view in front of me suddenly, and he pulled me into a gentle embrace. His voice had the dullness of having just woken up and was low and attractive as he said, “Why are you up so early? You’re wearing so little. Your body is all cold.”
He then wrapped me in the blankets and held onto my slightly cold hands.
“I couldn’t sleep, so I got up,” I replied, leaning into his arms with my eyes still on the painting.
He glanced over at it and pressed his lips together. “I’m right in front of you. Why’re you looking at this drawing? Look at me!”
In response, I took the art piece and held it up to him as if it were a treasure. I shook it and asked, “Look, Christopher. I used the brush you gave me to paint it. Don’t you have anything to say?”
He took the painting from me and flipped it around. Then, as soon as he saw it, his eyes brightened, but he purposely said, “Mm, it’s not bad. At least you got my handsome face right. Keep up the good work.”
“Of course. I’m not bragging, but my art skills are excellent. If it weren’t for Crystal…” I then sighed. If she hadn’t replaced me, I would’ve been the new school artist instead.
“Why have you stop talking?” he asked upon seeing that I stopped my sentence halfway. He pulled me into a hug, pressing me against his chest.
After a pause, I replied, “Actually, it’s not something I can’t say. I used to have a piece called Autumnal Panorama. I was going to take it to Eastsummer to participate in an exhibition and was supposed to get an apprenticeship position. But Grandma gave it to Crystal and forced her to leave Avenport. I only learned about it recently.”
After all, I could even talk about how Lyle had left me in the hotel. Thus, what else could I not say?
I continued, “I drew it for three months. A friend of mine who’s very knowledgeable in painting said that it was enough for me to get a position as a famous master. I could even go elsewhere to get better development and escape from my difficulties. Well, it’s okay. At least, now I know that I’m not as useless as I thought, so that’s good.”
His eyes suddenly brightened a little. After looking at me for a moment, he asked softly, “Have you ever thought of starting afresh and doing what you want to do?”
“Start afresh?” I asked, glancing at him sideways. In all honesty, I was surprised to be able to pick up a brush and paint again. However, I dared not think about continuing to pursue my dreams.
“Yeah, I’ll support you. As long as you want to do it, I’ll always support you!” he said as he looked at me seriously, his expression was particularly solemn.
