Painted Memories

We left Pattinson rather haphazardly last night. I decided to head north and rode the whole night without sleeping.

Not a good idea, but we kinda had to because we don’t know how close they’re to our tails.

Thankfully the old days of me being an outlaw and part of a gang has prepared me for situation like this. Welp, it's more precise to say that I'm used to situation like this one.

On the bright side, I got to have a conversation with Lily the whole night. She explained a little bit about fhe vanquisher and her past experience with them.

She also told me a little bit on how the vampire kind was discovered. I learned something new from it. I don’t know why but these stuffs about witches, vampires, and alike happening across the world felt so unreal to me.

“That sounds crazy!”

“I know right?” She replied.

“We also have stories like that, monster that eat humans during winter, giant bird that can create thunder, and big serpent with horns.”

“Ok, that sounds otherworldly.”

“But I don’t think they’re real. It just sound so improbable.”

“Who knows, even I exist, maybe they too!” She replied snickering.

"By the way, you did say that you're trying to find some kind of hairy monster awhile back. What's that all about?"

"Did I? I guess I do. Apparently it was just a bear, what it's name again? Umm...?"

"Grizzly bear?"

"Thats it!"

I then let out a little laugh.

"I guess I can see why they call them monsters. They really are terrifying."

"Really? Based on the description I heard, I think they're just one big fluffy animal. I can't even imagine how nice it would feel to pet one or giving it a big hug."

She said, as she hug me from behind.

"I think your expectations will be immediately crushed if you actually encounter one. In my opinion, you're the one that fits the definition of a monster for treating such beast like a dog."

She then bursted out laughing.

"If you put it like that, I guess you'd be right. But even without that, I still am a monster at the end of the day."

"Welp, a contradicting one. A monster that's kind and silly," I said smiling.

We continued to ride through the night and the open woodland. We then arrived at the town in the morning. It is surrounded by the Ozark’s mountain range and lush woodland. The name of it is Marshall.

Curious, she asked me a question.

“Is it just a coincidence that you have the same name?”

“I heard that my mother is from this town. Perhaps she named me after it.”

“So, are you trying to find her?”

“Unfortunately, I don’t know her name nor her face.”

“She could have the same last name as you,” She said walking beside me.

“True, but I don’t think she’s still alive.”

“I see.”

The town is very simple to say the least. All of the building are made from wood and most of them are single story.

We continued to walk the dirt road, searching for saloon, an inn, and whatnot. Until a voice called to us from across the road.

“Hey you two over there, c’mere!”

The man was sitting in front of his wagon. His clothes were humble, but colorful paints stained most of his shirt.

We then walked towards him.

“What is it partner? You need anything?” I asked.

“I was wondering if you two interested to be my models?”

“Models? Wait a minute, are you a painter?”

“Correct! I want to capture this small town beauty and the mountains in the background. But I need a centerpiece, and a pair like you would be perfect.”

Without any hesitation, I accepted the offer.

“Sure thing! You don’t mind right Lily?”

“But aren’t we in a hurry?”

“Don’t worry too much about it, okay? Alright partner, make sure you paint our elegant faces alright.”

The painter then replied energetically while he open the box in his wagon to take some brushes, tools, and canvas.

“You got it partner. One thing you should know about me is that I’m really good at painting faces.”

Seeing that smile, I feel assured. He asked us to pose and told us not to move.

“Say Marsh, how can you be so relaxed?”

“Welp, not the first time I’m being chased like this. Maybe being part of an outlaw gang for five years helped a little you know.”

She replied by chuckling.

“True. Maybe I need to calm down a little. I got you by my side after all, there’s no need to worry.”

“Yep, don’t worry. So, how’s the painting coming along partner?”

He replied while giving a thumbs up with his left hand while painting with his right.

“It’s coming along great, just a little bit more.”

We continued to stay in that pose for like another half hour or so. I was getting tired from standing for too long, until he spoke giddily.

“Aha! It’s done partner! The painting is finished.”

“Finally! Did it turn out great?” i asked.

“it is amazing if I would say so myself. However, I suggest you take a look at it yourself!”

He then give me the painting. Without wasting a second, I lay my eyes on it. He was right, it was amazing.

“Here take a look Lily.”

I said while handing it to her.

“By the way, what’s your name partner?”

“Thomas Remington, you can call me Tom.”

“Marshall Mallow, Marsh for short.”

“I se,e nice to meet you. Umm... Oh I’m sorry Miss, is there something wrong with the painting?”

I looked to my side, she stared at the painting rather intensely. A tear from her left eye was seen running down her cheek.

“No... there’s... there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s beautiful.”

She said as she wiped her tear.

It seems like my plan worked. But it worked far better than I expected. And that is for her to see her own face. I didn’t expect her to be moved to tears like that.

I guess seeing her own face for the first time despite living for so long made her feel emotions she never felt.

“She seems to like it a lot, mind if I buy it partner?”

“Well I was planning to sell it to you anyway, and keep it for myself if you aren’t interested to buy it.”

“Alright, how much?”

“That’ll be forty-five!”

“Cents?”

“Dollars.”

“What the—alright fine.”

That sure is a hefty price just for a single painting. He might’ve just tricked me. But at the same time, I don’t know what the usual price is. However, seeing Lily’s tears of joy made it worth it. Beside, the painting really is beautiful.

“Make sure to take care of that. You better not lose it.”

Despite shielded from the sun by the brim of her hat, she replied to me smiling radiantly and happily.

“Rest assured. I will treasure this piece for an eternity.”