Chapter 16:

Threads of Companion's

Art in Heart


The weight of the canvas in my hands felt heavier than before, not just physically but emotionally as well. As I stood there, lost in contemplation, Diana's movements caught my attention. She was inching towards the door, her body language revealing her intent to leave. Without much thought, I hurried over, reaching out to stop her, my hand closing gently around hers.

"Why are you upset? What's bothering you?" I asked, my words laden with a mix of concern and confusion.

She hesitated for a moment, her gaze locked onto mine, before pulling her hand away. Her voice was tinged with a hint of frustration as she spoke, "I don't think I owe you an explanation. Just leave me alone and do whatever you want."

The door clicked shut behind her, leaving me standing there, grappling with the unexpected turn of events. My mind raced to comprehend the reasons behind her anger, the pieces of the puzzle not quite fitting together. I had thought that involving Diana in completing the art piece would be a mutual endeavor, a way to bridge the gap between us. But now, it seemed like my plans had backfired, leaving me with more questions than answers.

As I pondered the situation, a voice broke through my thoughts, jolting me back to the present. Colie had reappeared, dressed in fresh clothes, her gaze sharp and perceptive. She had noticed the tension that had filled the room and was now seeking an explanation.

"Is everything okay?" she inquired, her tone gentle yet probing.

I sank onto the sofa, the canvas still resting against my leg, and let out a sigh. "Not really," I admitted, the frustration evident in my voice.

Colie poured water into a glass and took a sip, her eyes never leaving me. "Well, care to share what happened?" she prompted her presence a comforting reassurance.

I recounted the events that had transpired, from Diana's abrupt departure to our conversation by the door. I left out the part about my artistic struggles, not wanting to undermine Colie's faith in my abilities. The more I spoke, the clearer the confusion became in my mind. Why had Diana reacted so strongly? What had triggered this sudden burst of anger?

Colie listened attentively, her expression a mixture of understanding and wisdom. Once I had finished, she leaned back on the sofa, her thoughtful gaze fixed on a distant point. "Young souls can be impulsive," she mused, her voice carrying a tone of empathy. "Sometimes, they need time to process their emotions and thoughts. It's important to give them space and wait for the right moment to have a meaningful conversation."

I nodded, absorbing her words. It made sense – Diana's anger was likely a result of her emotions getting the best of her. Perhaps, in time, she would be willing to open up and discuss what had truly upset her. Colie's guidance provided a sense of clarity, a reminder that patience and understanding were key in navigating such situations.

With a more settled mind, I bid Colie farewell and left her house. Tomorrow was Sunday, a day of rest and reflection, and I was determined to make the most of it. The events of the day had left me with much to contemplate, and as I walked back to my own space, I found myself hoping that the dawn of a new week would bring with it a chance for healing and understanding.

The new dawn broke with a quiet splendor, casting a golden hue across the cityscape. As the final day of the week commenced, I found myself awake earlier than usual, a mix of anticipation and restlessness coursing through my veins. Beads of sweat dotted my forehead, a testament to the sweltering morning air that enveloped me. My early rise was driven by the need to gather some fresh milk and a few edible items from the nearby market.

Stepping back through the gate of my residence, I was met with an unexpected sound—the hushed voices from the bushes. At first, I wondered if I was merely hearing things, caught in the haze of my early morning grogginess. However, the mud-caked footsteps near the gate told a different story, confirming that someone had indeed been lurking nearby.

The voices grew clearer as I followed the wet footsteps, their conversation murmured yet discernible. "Did he come out yet?" the first voice asked.

"Ah, how many times have I said no?" came the second person's exasperated response.

The third person chimed in with advice, "You two, keep it quiet."

Again the first person said, "But we gotta follow Endie to know if he will be safe or not."

Baffled by their conversation, I stepped out from the shadows and into their view. "Safe? What will happen to me? And what will harm me?" I interjected, my voice laced with sarcasm and amusement.

Startled, all three figures emerged from the bushes where they had been hiding. "Oh, Endie. Today's morning is great, right?" Sid attempted to divert the topic, a sheepish grin on his face.

Akhish, never one to miss an opportunity, added, "So where are you coming from? A morning date, perhaps?"

I rolled my eyes, ready to quell any false rumors. "Of course not. No dates. She just got angry at me yesterday," I explained, hoping to put an end to the speculation.

For a brief moment, the four of us stood there, exchanging glances. I couldn't shake the feeling that they were hiding something behind their amusement. "I am sorry," I finally uttered, feeling a twinge of guilt for secrecy.

Their laughter filled the air, and Pam responded, "It's fine, Endie. We were just having a bit of fun."

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "And whose brilliant plan was this?" I inquired, my gaze shifting toward Sid, who was attempting to sidle away unnoticed.

Caught in the spotlight, Sid sighed and offered an apology, "Alright, alright, it was my idea."

With a playful grin, I turned my attention back to all of them. "Well then, since we're all here, why not make the most of the morning? What do you say we head to the game zone? Because the date is long gone."

The idea was met with enthusiastic agreement, and we made our way to my room, the camaraderie between us stronger than ever. As I changed into more comfortable attire, I couldn't help but reflect on the unique bond we shared—a friendship forged through shared experiences, adventures, and a fair share of mischief.

Soon enough, we were on our way to the game zone, the morning's events a mere memory as we embraced the joys of friendly competition. Laughter echoed through the arcade as we challenged each other to various games, the tension of the morning dissipating along the week’s web declaration in the face of our shared camaraderie.

As we engaged in our brand of friendly banter, the day unfolded in a tapestry of exhilaration and excitement. The game zone became our sanctuary, a place where worries and misunderstandings were left at the door, replaced by the pure thrill of the present moment.

And so, the day passed, marked by the chorus of our laughter and the clatter of arcade games. It was a day of bonding and letting go, a reminder that even in the face of misunderstandings, the strength of friendship could bridge any gap. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows in its wake, I couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism for the days to come.